Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Photo courtesy of PNP.
Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez could be moved from Cardinal Santos Medical Center to the police hospital at Camp Crame if the Sandiganbayan rejects his bid to remain at the private facility.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Wednesday that authorities were prepared to provide Romualdez with medical treatment while keeping him under the custody required by the court.
The issue is expected to come before the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Thursday, when it hears Romualdez’s motion seeking continued confinement at Cardinal Santos due to several medical conditions.
Romualdez has been under arrest since Monday night, when police served a warrant issued in connection with the plunder case against him. His booking was carried out at the San Juan hospital rather than at a police detention facility.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government has taken the position that Romualdez should be transferred to the PNP General Hospital if he still requires medical attention. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Tuesday that authorities would seek the court’s permission for the transfer.
Nartatez said police would wait for the anti-graft court’s ruling before taking further action. He also maintained that the former speaker’s political status would not entitle him to preferential treatment while in custody.
The PNP completed another procedural step Tuesday by submitting the served warrant and supporting records to the Sandiganbayan. These included Romualdez’s detention and medical certificates, booking form, spot report and mugshots.
Romualdez faces allegations that he received a share of at least Php 7.44 billion in commissions, kickbacks and other benefits tied to government-funded projects from 2022 to 2025. He has denied wrongdoing and remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.