Manila: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will file a motion for custody before the Sandiganbayan Third Division to transfer former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to the Philippine National Police General Hospital (PNPGH), Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced on Tuesday. Romualdez is currently confined at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City following a cardiovascular event, unstable blood pressure, and an anxiety attack. The anti-graft court ordered his arrest on Monday over plunder charges related to alleged flood control anomalies.
According to Philippines News Agency, Remulla stated that the PNP General Hospital is equipped to care for Romualdez. The DILG and PNP's decision to file the motion reflects their disagreement with Romualdez's continued stay in a private hospital. Remulla emphasized that moving Romualdez to the PNPGH is an initial step, allowing his doctors visitation and practicing rights at Camp Crame.
Tight security measures have been implemented at Cardinal Santos Medical Center due to Romualdez being considered a flight risk, possessing two private jets, three helicopters, and three yachts. Armed guards are stationed outside his room around the clock, with additional security in the hospital's lobby and a mobile patrol vehicle on standby. Despite the security, Romualdez's health condition remains unstable, with daily visits from PNP doctors assessing his readiness to appear in court.
Romualdez was admitted to the hospital just before his arrest warrant was issued. He underwent booking procedures, including fingerprinting and medical checks by police doctors in his hospital room. Remulla revealed that Romualdez had suffered a stroke in July, described as a transient ischemic attack, but stated it was not serious.
Meanwhile, Remulla clarified that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not intervened in matters related to Romualdez, who is his cousin. He highlighted the President's stance of "duty over family," acknowledging that while the situation is painful for Marcos, he prioritizes his presidential responsibilities over familial ties. Remulla also asserted that there has been no communication with the President regarding Romualdez's case.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. confirmed that police personnel followed proper protocols when serving the arrest warrant to Romualdez. He emphasized that the PNP enforces court-issued warrants without bias, regardless of the individual's position or status, ensuring that legal processes are adhered to and due process is observed.
The arrest warrant from the Sandiganbayan Third Division comes after the Office of the Ombudsman filed a PHP7.4-billion plunder case against Romualdez, former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, and two others, stemming from the flood control controversy.
