Sandiganbayan Orders Transfer of Ex-Speaker Romualdez to PGH Amid Plunder Charges

The Sandiganbayan Third Division has ordered the transfer of former Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez from Cardinal Santos Medical Center to the state-run Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Manila by 10 a.m. on September 12. This order comes amid plunder charges filed against the lawmaker, allegedly in connection with a P7.4-billion flood control project kickback scheme. The anti-graft court noted that it is proper to conduct an independent examination of Romualdez at the UP-Philippine General Hospital to verify the medical examinations conducted by his doctors at Cardinal Santos and to determine the necessity of his continued confinement. Romualdez had sought hospital detention at Cardinal Santos, citing pre-existing heart and brain-related problems. According to Maki Pulido's report on "24 Oras," Romualdez is slated to be discharged on Saturday and transferred to PGH via an ambulance. There, Romualdez will have a medical examination so that the PGH can independently verify if Romualdez really needed hospital confinement. The former speaker will also stay at the PGH until the anti-graft court makes another order. Speaking before the court, Romualdez’s doctors said that it was too dangerous to move him because of his medical condition. His cardiologist, Dr. Rody Sy, said that Romualdez’s tests show that his heart was within a stable range, but his blood pressure was fluctuating. Sy said that Romualdez’s stress should be managed from four to six weeks before he is transferred. Neurologist Rogelio Libarres also said that the possibility of the former speaker experiencing a stroke is higher because he could not sleep. Romualdez’s dosage of sleeping pills has doubled. Psychiatrist Lourdes Ignacio also said that Romualdez was depressed and anxious, which could affect his heart and brain. Romualdez’s counsel Ade Fajardo said that his results were not faked. The Sandiganbayan Third Division ordered PGH doctors to submit their reports by September 13. By Monday, PGH Director Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi is ordered to deliver the assessment to the court. The court also moved Romualdez’s arraignment and pre-trial from Monday, September 14, to Wednesday, September 16. — Llanesca T. Panti/RSJ, GMA News