MANILA, Philippines — The medical condition of former House Speaker and incumbent Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez is now under independent scrutiny as the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) assembles a team of specialists to determine whether he needs to remain confined in a hospital.
Romualdez was transferred from Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City to PGH on Saturday, September 12, following an order from the Sandiganbayan Third Division.
The transfer marks a significant development in the legal battle surrounding his continued hospital confinement after his arrest on a P7.4-billion plunder case linked to alleged irregularities in government flood control projects.
PGH specialists to conduct independent assessment
The Sandiganbayan directed PGH Director Dr. Gerardo Legazpi, or an authorized representative, to oversee the medical examination.
The court specifically ordered that the assessment be conducted without the direct or indirect participation or influence of Romualdez’s doctors from Cardinal Santos Medical Center.
The objective is to verify the medical findings previously presented by Romualdez’s private physicians and determine whether there is a medical necessity for his continued confinement.
The PGH team is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to the Sandiganbayan by September 13, with the court set to hear testimony regarding the assessment on September 14.
GMA News reported that the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) confirmed Romualdez was received at PGH at approximately 8:45 a.m. on September 12. The BJMP said it would await further court instructions regarding his possible transfer to the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory in Payatas.
Why Romualdez was hospitalized
Romualdez has remained under hospital care since September 7, when he was arrested at Cardinal Santos Medical Center after authorities served a warrant in connection with the plunder case.
According to government officials and court reports, he had been confined after reportedly experiencing a cardiovascular event, unstable blood pressure and an anxiety attack.
His doctors subsequently cited several medical conditions, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular problems, hypertension and other ailments, in arguing that he should remain hospitalized.
During court proceedings, his physicians testified about fluctuating blood pressure and concerns over possible medical complications. One of his doctors reportedly said his blood pressure reached 170/110 on September 10, prompting adjustments to his medication.
His medical team has maintained that his conditions are genuine and documented, while his camp has expressed concern that transferring him too soon could pose serious health risks.
Court wants an independent answer
The dispute has increasingly centered on one crucial question: Does Romualdez medically need to remain in a hospital, or can he be transferred to a regular detention facility?
The Sandiganbayan said it respects legitimate medical needs but emphasized that hospitalization must be based on medical necessity rather than a detainee’s position, wealth or influence.
That is why the court turned to PGH, a government hospital, for an independent assessment.
The move also follows earlier calls for government doctors to independently evaluate Romualdez’s condition. In previous reports, government officials had raised concerns about the appearance of special treatment because Romualdez had remained in a private hospital following his arrest.
Government doctors now hold the key
The PGH assessment could therefore become a decisive factor in determining Romualdez’s immediate custody arrangement.
If the specialists conclude that he requires continued hospital care, the court could allow him to remain at PGH or issue another appropriate medical order.
If the doctors determine that hospitalization is no longer medically necessary, the Sandiganbayan could order his transfer to a detention facility.
GMA News reported that the BJMP is prepared to implement a transfer to the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory in Payatas if ordered by the court.
The case behind the medical controversy
Romualdez is facing a P7.4-billion plunder charge filed by the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with alleged anomalies involving flood control projects.
His co-accused include former House appropriations panel chairperson Zaldy Co, Romualdez’s former personal assistant Joselyn Tragua Serenio and Samchan Foreign Exchange Corporation president Felicito Cristobal Guevarra, according to GMA News.
The case has placed renewed attention on government flood control spending and alleged kickback arrangements involving public infrastructure projects.
Romualdez has denied wrongdoing through his legal defense, while the judicial proceedings continue.
What happens next?
For now, Romualdez remains at PGH while the independent assessment is conducted.
The next major development will be the PGH specialists’ medical report and their testimony before the Sandiganbayan.
That assessment could answer the question at the center of the controversy:
Will Martin Romualdez remain in a hospital—or could the court finally order his transfer to jail?
The answer may come after the PGH team submits its findings to the anti-graft court.
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