By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has asked the Sandiganbayan to allow him to remain confined at Cardinal Santos Medical Center under continuous custody after authorities enforced an arrest warrant against him in connection with the P7.44-billion plunder case.
Romualdez’s lawyers filed the motion after the warrant was served at the hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment for an existing cardiac condition.
His camp argued that continued medical treatment and lawful detention can be carried out simultaneously, proposing that Romualdez remain inside the hospital under round-the-clock security while his case proceeds.
The request includes strict conditions intended to ensure that he remains under court custody. These include continuous security personnel, restrictions on visitors and regular medical updates to the Sandiganbayan.
Romualdez would also be barred from leaving the hospital unless the court grants prior approval.
The motion cited several medical conditions, including coronary artery disease, unstable angina, hypertension and diabetes. It also noted that Romualdez previously underwent angioplasty in October 2024.
The plea came shortly after the Sandiganbayan Third Division issued arrest warrants against Romualdez and his co-accused over allegations involving P7.44 billion in kickbacks linked to government projects.
Romualdez’s legal team is therefore asking the court to recognize his present hospitalization as compatible with continued custody rather than requiring his transfer to another detention facility while he undergoes medical treatment.
The Sandiganbayan has yet to rule on the former speaker’s request.
For now, Romualdez remains at Cardinal Santos Medical Center, where the arrest warrant was enforced and where his lawyers want him to stay under strict court-supervised custody.
ia/xf
