peaker Martin Romualdez delivers his speech as he steps down from his post as Speaker of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File
MANILA (3RD UPDATE) - Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez was moved to the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas on Monday night, September 14.
A transport convoy by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) departed from the Pedro Gil exit of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital in Manila shortly after 10:00 p.m.
This comes hours after the Sandiganbayan ordered his transfer, with UP-PGH doctors finding Romualdez "clinically stable" and noting that he does not require continued hospitalization.
Upon his arrival, intake protocols began immediately.
The standard admission process that encompasses a medical evaluation, fingerprint acquisition, mugshot, interviews, and orientation is currently underway.
The said Romualdez was committed to the Quezon City Jail–Male Dormitory at approximately 10:49 p.m. in compliance with the order of the Sandiganbayan 3rd Division.
"Considering his medical needs and the medical recommendations presented before the Court, Rep. Romualdez has been placed in the jail infirmary together with other PDL requiring medical monitoring," the BJMP said in a statement.
"The arrangement is in accordance with BJMP policies and the Court’s directives to ensure that his continuing medical needs are properly attended to," it added. "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."
PLUNDER CASE
Romualdez was arrested last Monday, September 7, after the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant for the P7.4-billion plunder case filed by the Ombudsman. He was initially confined at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center before being transferred to UP-PGH on Saturday for an independent examination.
READ: PGH finishing medical exams on Martin Romualdez
Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, medical director of UP-PGH, took the witness stand on Monday during the Sandiganbayan Third Division's hearing on Romualdez's motion for continued confinement.
When Associate Justice Ronald Moreno asked if Romualdez could be discharged from the hospital at any time, Legaspi answered in the affirmative.
Romualdez is expected to stay in a cell that is about 50 square meters, with five double-deck beds.
The BJMP said it was also considering Romualdez's medical condition and security concerns in determining his placement. Under BJMP policy, PDLs with certain medical or psychiatric conditions and comorbidities should not be left alone in a cell.
Romualdez said in a statement on Monday that he respects the court's decision, but maintains his innocence.
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