Doctor admits 'unusual' setup in Romualdez's hospital confinement

The doctor who admitted Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez to Cardinal Santos Medical Center has testified that the circumstances surrounding the lawmaker's confinement were "unusual." Romualdez, who is facing a P7.4 billion plunder case related to alleged links to flood control projects, is seeking continued confinement at the medical facility. During a hearing on his motion, Dr. Kurt Allen Sibayan stated that despite being the admitting physician when Romualdez arrived on September 7, he was not permitted to conduct any medical examinations on the lawmaker. Sibayan told the Sandiganbayan Third Division that the instruction to bar him from examining the patient was relayed by Romualdez's attending physicians, Dr. Rody Sy and Dr. Rosalio Torres. "We were advised that we were not allowed inside the patient's (Romualdez) room," he said. He also noted that Romualdez did not go through the emergency room but proceeded directly to a hospital room. Sibayan clarified that while Romualdez has a high risk of a heart attack, his current ailments are not an emergency case. The congressman had reportedly complained of chest pain prior to his admission. Dr. Torres testified that he advised Romualdez's confinement after being informed of the chest pains. He believes Romualdez should remain at Cardinal Santos due to the "high risk of possible heart attack," expressing concern that the necessary one-hour treatment window might not be available elsewhere. Torres identified the condition requiring continued confinement as unstable angina with underlying coronary disease, indicating an impending heart attack. Mental health issues were also mentioned during further questioning by the court. The testimony has raised questions about potential special treatment for a detained politician. Information Source: GMA News Philippines