MANILA — Former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez is now detained at the Quezon City Jail infirmary after a court ruled that his medical condition no longer required hospital confinement, placing him under regular jail custody ahead of his arraignment on a P7.2-billion plunder charge.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) said Romualdez was committed to the Quezon City Jail-Male Dormitory in Payatas following his transfer from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).
The Leyte representative was assigned to the jail infirmary, where he will remain under medical monitoring alongside other persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) requiring medical attention.
“Considering his medical needs and the medical recommendations presented before the Court, Rep. Romualdez has been placed in the jail infirmary together with other [persons deprived of liberty] requiring medical monitoring,” the BJMP said.
The bureau said the arrangement complies with its existing policies and directives from the Sandiganbayan to ensure that Romualdez continues to receive appropriate medical attention while in detention.
The BJMP also stressed that the former Speaker would not be accorded preferential treatment because of his political position.
“The BJMP assures the public that it will remain professional, impartial, and consistent in the implementation of its rules and regulations. All PDL under its custody are treated fairly and humanely, without distinction or privilege based on status or position,” it said.
Romualdez had remained in medical facilities since his arrest, initially at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City before being transferred to PGH for an independent medical assessment.
The Sandiganbayan Third Division issued the commitment order on September 14 after doctors determined that his medical condition did not warrant continued hospital confinement.
Romualdez is facing a plunder case involving alleged kickbacks totaling P7.2 billion.
“Accordingly, the court commits to the Quezon City Jail – Male Dormitory the living person of accused Romualdez, who is charged for the crime of plunder, to be held therein as a detention prisoner and as such, the accused shall not be moved, removed, transferred, and/or otherwise be released therefrom unless ordered by the court,” the Sandiganbayan said.
His transfer to the jail comes two days before his scheduled arraignment and pre-trial proceedings before the anti-graft court.
“The parties are reminded that the arraignment and pre-trial of this case as to accused Romualdez is set on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 8:30 in the morning,” the Sandiganbayan added./PN
