By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan Third Division has directed former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to appear before the anti-graft court on Thursday, Sept. 10, for the hearing on his request to remain confined at a hospital.
Romualdez, who is facing a non-bailable plunder case, has not yet appeared before the court as he continues to receive treatment at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City.
In its order, the Third Division said Romualdez should personally attend the hearing if his medical condition allows it.
The court also made clear that custody of the accused is now under its authority, stressing that it alone can determine whether Romualdez’s health condition warrants continued hospital confinement, affects the implementation of his arrest warrant, or requires his transfer to a jail facility.
The Sandiganbayan likewise issued subpoenas ad testificandum to four doctors who have been treating or examining Romualdez: Rody Sy, Rogelio Libarres, Kurt Allen Sibayan and Rosalio Torres.
The development came after the Philippine National Police returned Romualdez’s arrest warrant to the Sandiganbayan on Tuesday after he failed to appear before the court. His lawyers had filed an urgent motion seeking continued hospital confinement while the case is pending.
Police had already served the arrest warrant on Romualdez at the hospital, where he also underwent booking procedures and was informed of his Miranda rights.
In his motion, Romualdez cited several medical conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and primary hypothyroidism, along with other illnesses, as reasons for seeking continued confinement at the hospital.
The Sandiganbayan issued the arrest warrant against Romualdez, former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and two other accused after the Office of the Ombudsman filed formal plunder charges before the anti-graft court.
Prosecutors allege that Romualdez and Co repeatedly received commissions, shares, percentages, kickbacks, “commitments” and other financial benefits on at least 15 occasions, with the total amount placed at no less than P7.44 billion.
The alleged payments were reportedly linked to contractors, individuals and entities with interests in flood control, infrastructure and other government projects funded under the General Appropriations Acts for fiscal years 2022 to 2025.
Romualdez, through his lawyer Ade Fajardo, has said he respects the legal process and will face the allegations in accordance with the law.
ia/xf
