MANILA, Philippines — Former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez has been transferred to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) for an independent medical assessment that could determine whether he will remain in hospital custody or eventually be moved to a regular detention facility.
Romualdez was brought from Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City to UP-PGH in Manila under heavy security, following an order from the Sandiganbayan Third Division. The court directed an independent government medical team to assess his condition and determine whether his continued confinement in a medical facility is medically necessary.
The ambulance carrying Romualdez left Cardinal Santos at around 8:11 a.m. and arrived at PGH at approximately 8:35 a.m., where Bureau of Jail Management and Penology personnel and police officers maintained security. BJMP spokesperson Supt. Jayrex Joseph Bustinera said the PGH medical team would conduct the assessment and submit its findings and recommendations to the Sandiganbayan.
PGH Promises an Independent and Professional Examination
UP-PGH said it had organized a team of medical specialists to conduct the examination and assured the public that the assessment would be carried out objectively and according to professional medical standards.
The hospital’s findings are expected to play a crucial role in the Sandiganbayan’s next decision on Romualdez’s custody. PGH officials, including hospital director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, are expected to provide the court with medical findings and recommendations, while daily reports on his condition may also be required.
The key question is now whether independent government doctors will agree that Romualdez requires continued hospitalization.
If PGH determines that he no longer needs hospital confinement, he could be transferred to the New Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory in Payatas, where he would be held under BJMP custody.
Why the Sandiganbayan Ordered an Independent Check
The transfer came after prosecutors opposed the continued confinement of Romualdez at Cardinal Santos Medical Center and pushed for an independent medical evaluation by government doctors.
Romualdez’s private doctors had earlier argued that he needed continued medical care, citing fluctuating blood pressure and concerns about possible cardiovascular complications. His medical team also raised concerns about the risks associated with transferring him away from immediate medical care.
However, testimony during court proceedings raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his admission to Cardinal Santos.
Dr. Kurt Allen Sibayan, the admitting physician, told the Sandiganbayan that Romualdez’s case was not processed through the emergency room even though he had reportedly complained of chest pains. Instead, he was directly admitted to a private room, according to reports from Philstar and other media outlets.
The Sandiganbayan said an independent examination was necessary to verify the medical assessments already conducted and determine whether continued confinement in a hospital is justified.
Romualdez Now Under BJMP Custody
The former House Speaker’s custody was transferred to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology from the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group following a Sandiganbayan order.
Romualdez was arrested after the anti-graft court issued a warrant in connection with a multibillion-peso plunder case involving alleged kickbacks from government infrastructure and flood control projects. He has denied wrongdoing.
According to court and prosecution reports, the case against Romualdez involves allegations that he received approximately P7.4 billion in kickbacks connected to government projects between 2022 and 2025. State prosecutors have accused him of receiving alleged kickbacks on multiple occasions, while the broader investigation into flood control projects has placed numerous projects and officials under scrutiny.
Romualdez, who is also a first cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., faces the high-profile case amid the government’s wider crackdown on alleged anomalies involving flood control and infrastructure spending.
The Medical Report Could Change Everything
For now, Romualdez will remain at PGH pending further action by the Sandiganbayan.
The independent medical assessment could become a turning point in the case — not in determining his guilt or innocence, but in deciding where he will be held while the plunder proceedings move forward.
If PGH specialists conclude that continued hospitalization is necessary, Romualdez could remain under medical confinement. But if they determine that his condition can be managed outside a hospital setting, the former House Speaker could be transferred to the New Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory.
The Sandiganbayan is expected to review the independent medical findings as the legal proceedings against Romualdez continue.
The biggest question now: Will PGH doctors confirm the need for continued hospitalization — or will the former House Speaker finally be transferred to a regular jail facility?
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