By el Amigo
MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has placed the medical condition of Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez under independent review, ordering him transferred to the University of the Philippines–Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH).
The transfer is set for Saturday, September 12, following two days of proceedings before the anti-graft court’s Third Division over Romualdez’s continued stay at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City.
Associate Justice Karl Miranda, who chairs the division, issued the directive Friday after hearing arguments concerning the lawmaker’s medical confinement.
Instead of remaining at Cardinal Santos, Romualdez will be brought to UP-PGH, where doctors are expected to conduct an independent evaluation of his condition. He will remain at the government hospital until the court issues another order.
The medical assessment could help the Sandiganbayan determine the appropriate arrangements for Romualdez while the criminal proceedings against him continue.
Romualdez was arrested on September 7 in connection with the P7.44-billion plunder case arising from alleged irregularities in flood control projects. He was subsequently confined at Cardinal Santos Medical Center, prompting questions before the court over the necessity and duration of his hospital stay.
The case is linked to the broader investigation into alleged anomalies in the use and implementation of government-funded flood control projects.
Romualdez, who previously served as Speaker of the House of Representatives, remains entitled to the presumption of innocence as the case proceeds before the Sandiganbayan.
The court’s latest order effectively shifts the medical assessment from the private facility where Romualdez has been confined to UP-PGH, allowing doctors there to independently evaluate his condition before the court decides on his next custodial arrangement.
