MANILA — An independent medical assessment by the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) will help determine whether former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez should remain hospitalized or be transferred to another detention facility while facing a P7.4-billion plunder case.
Romualdez was transferred from Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City to PGH on Saturday on orders of the Sandiganbayan Third Division, which sought an evaluation by doctors who were not part of his previous medical team.
PGH assured the anti-graft court that its assessment would be impartial and conducted according to established medical standards.
“Mananatiling obhetibo at propesyonal ang PGH sa pagsasagawa ng pagsusuri, alinsunod sa pinakamataas na pamantayan sa larangan ng medisina,” the hospital said.
PGH has assembled a panel of specialists who will independently examine Romualdez and conduct the necessary diagnostic procedures before preparing a comprehensive medical report for submission to the Sandiganbayan.
The findings are expected to be crucial to the court’s determination of whether Romualdez’s reported medical conditions warrant continued hospital confinement or whether he can be transferred to another detention facility.
Romualdez arrived at PGH at around 8:45 a.m. Saturday under the supervision of officials from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
His doctors at Cardinal Santos had cited several medical conditions, including hypertension, in recommending his continued hospitalization. His psychologist also reported that the former House Speaker had exhibited symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Romualdez’s cardiologist, Dr. Rody Sy, earlier said his patient might require four to six weeks to recover from his ailments because of stress.
Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Ronald Moreno, however, questioned the proposed recovery period during proceedings on Romualdez’s continued hospital confinement.
PGH said the results of its independent assessment would not be publicly disclosed, citing its obligation to protect patient confidentiality. The medical findings will instead be submitted directly to the Sandiganbayan unless the court orders otherwise.
“Upang mapangalagaan ang pagiging kumpidensiyal ng impormasyong medikal ng pasyente, walang detalye tungkol sa kanyang kondisyon o mga resulta ang ilalabas, maliban sa ihaharap sa Hukuman,” PGH said.
Romualdez is facing a P7.4-billion plunder case before the Sandiganbayan over alleged irregularities involving flood control projects./PN
