THE Sandiganbayan Third Division has ordered former House Speaker and incumbent Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez to be transferred to the New Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory in Payatas after denying his request for continued hospital confinement.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) released updated mugshots of Romualdez following his transfer. Unlike his initial booking photo, which was taken while he was in a hospital bed, the new images show him standing and wearing the standard yellow Person Deprived of Liberty (PDL) shirt prescribed by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
Romualdez arrived at the Payatas facility at 10:49 p.m. after the court ordered his transfer from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). BJMP spokesperson Supt. Jayrex Bustinera said Romualdez was placed in the jail infirmary, where he will receive continued medical monitoring.
The order followed a medical evaluation by PGH Director Dr. Gerardo “Gap” Legaspi, who testified that Romualdez was clinically stable and fit for discharge.
Although Romualdez has chronic coronary syndrome, primary hypothyroidism, sleep apnea and controlled diabetes, medical experts determined that his conditions do not require continued inpatient care provided that he receives appropriate monitoring.
Romualdez was arrested on September 7 in connection with a ₱7.4-billion plunder case involving alleged kickbacks from infrastructure and flood-control projects from 2022 to 2025.
He was initially served the arrest warrant at Cardinal Santos Medical Center before being transferred to PGH for an independent medical assessment.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Romualdez underwent standard booking procedures upon arrival at the Payatas jail.
The BJMP also assured the public that detention rules would be enforced fairly and humanely, regardless of a detainee’s position or status.
Despite the denial of his request for extended hospital confinement, Romualdez said he respects the court’s decision while continuing to maintain his innocence.
“I maintain my innocence. Haharapin ko ang kaso. Sasagutin ko ang mga paratang,” Romualdez said, adding that he would face the proceedings with dignity.
