(DC file photo)
Malacañang on Wednesday denied allegations that former House Speaker Martin Romualdez is receiving preferential treatment at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas, dismissing claims that he has been allowed to leave the detention facility without authorization.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro criticized the circulation of what she described as false information regarding Romualdez’s detention, warning that such allegations could undermine public confidence in government agencies.
“Sa mga maaaring nagpapakalat ng maling impormasyon, ano po ba ang inyong nais? Anong motibo? Ang motibo dito ay sirain ang gobyerno, sirain ang mga ahensiyang tumutupad sa kanilang tungkulin,” Castro said during a press briefing.
She stressed that Romualdez remains among the prominent personalities being closely monitored in connection with the investigation into the flood control controversy.
“So, huwag po nating palabasin na ganoon dahil alam po natin na si Speaker Romualdez ay isa sa malaking sinasabing big fish na tinututukan para malaman natin ang katotohanan,” she added.
Castro’s remarks followed social media allegations that electricity at the New Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory had been deliberately cut to disable closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, supposedly allowing Romualdez to leave the facility unnoticed aboard an ambulance.
The Palace official rejected the allegations, citing initial findings from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
According to Castro, the jail’s CCTV monitoring system is connected to BJMP national headquarters, allowing authorities to review activities and movements within the detention facility.
She said an initial examination of surveillance footage found no power interruptions or CCTV disruptions at the jail during the past month.
The review also showed no unauthorized movement involving Romualdez, with his last recorded departure from the facility occurring on October 12 to attend a court hearing.
“Initial CCTV verification by BJMP national headquarters showed no recorded power or CCTV interruption at the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory and no recorded movement of Rep. Martin Romualdez outside the facility during the period examined,” Castro said, quoting the BJMP’s statement.
Despite the initial findings, Castro said the BJMP launched a formal investigation on November 3 to examine the allegations and address concerns about possible irregularities.
She emphasized that all persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), regardless of their political position or public standing, are required to follow the same detention rules and procedures.
Under BJMP regulations, detainees cannot leave a custodial facility without proper authorization, including a valid court order when required.
Castro said the agency remains open to receiving credible information from the public and cooperating with investigations conducted by other government institutions.
“We welcome relevant information from the public and then cooperate with any investigation by other government agencies. The BJMP assures the public of its commitment to professionalism, transparency and equal treatment of all PDLs without distinction and privilege,” she said.
The Palace official also challenged individuals spreading allegations of special treatment to coordinate with the BJMP and examine the available CCTV footage to substantiate their claims.
Castro maintained that the government would continue monitoring Romualdez’s detention while ensuring that established custodial procedures are followed and that the ongoing investigation into the flood control controversy proceeds without preferential treatment.
