MANILA, Philippines — Former House Speaker and incumbent Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez was set to be transferred from Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) on Saturday, September 12, following an order from the Sandiganbayan Third Division for an independent medical examination.
Ambulances and transport vehicles from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) arrived at Cardinal Santos Medical Center early Saturday as preparations were made for Romualdez’s transfer, according to a report by GMA News.
The transfer comes after the anti-graft court ordered PGH to independently assess Romualdez’s medical condition and verify the findings of his doctors at Cardinal Santos, where he had been confined since Monday.
Why Was Martin Romualdez Ordered Transferred to PGH?
The Sandiganbayan Third Division ordered the transfer following hearings on Romualdez’s request to remain confined at the private hospital.
Romualdez’s camp had argued that he needed continued medical care due to several health conditions, including cardiovascular concerns, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia and primary hypothyroidism, according to reports from The Philippine STAR.
However, government officials opposed his continued confinement at Cardinal Santos Medical Center. The issue eventually reached the Sandiganbayan, which ordered an independent medical assessment at UP-PGH instead.
PGH Doctors Ordered to Conduct Independent Examination
Under the court order, PGH Director Gerardo Legaspi or authorized representatives were instructed to examine Romualdez independently, without the direct or indirect participation or influence of his doctors from Cardinal Santos Medical Center.
The PGH medical team was directed to submit its report and recommendation to the Sandiganbayan and later testify regarding its findings, particularly on whether Romualdez has an imperative medical need for continued hospital confinement.
The court also ordered that Romualdez be allowed to remain at PGH and receive medical attention there until further orders are issued.
Transfer Comes Days After Romualdez’s Arrest
Romualdez’s hospitalization became a major issue after he was arrested in connection with allegations involving flood control projects.
The Associated Press reported that Romualdez was arrested on September 7, 2026, and charged with plunder alongside other individuals over allegations involving billions of pesos in public funds connected to flood control projects. Romualdez has denied the allegations.
Reports said he was admitted to Cardinal Santos Medical Center after experiencing health concerns following developments surrounding his arrest and detention.
The latest transfer to PGH now places his medical condition under independent government hospital assessment as the Sandiganbayan determines the next steps in his detention.
What Happens Next?
The PGH medical examination could become a crucial factor in determining whether Romualdez has a compelling medical reason to remain under hospital confinement or whether other detention arrangements should proceed.
The Sandiganbayan is awaiting the independent findings of the PGH medical team, which will assess whether continued hospital-based detention is medically necessary.
For now, the focus shifts to PGH—and to the independent medical report that could play a major role in determining what happens next in one of the Philippines’ most closely watched legal cases.
The Bottom Line
Martin Romualdez’s transfer from Cardinal Santos Medical Center to the Philippine General Hospital is more than a change of location.
The Sandiganbayan wants an independent assessment of his health, and the findings could influence the court’s next decision on his confinement and detention.
As PGH doctors begin their examination, one major question now hangs over the case:
Will the independent medical report support Romualdez’s request for continued hospital confinement—or will it open the door to a different detention arrangement?
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