Sandiganbayan Orders Rep. Romualdez Transfer to PGH for Independent Medical Exam

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan Third Division has ordered Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez to be transferred from his current confinement at Cardinal Santos Medical Center to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) for an independent medical examination. This move aims to ascertain the necessity of his continued hospitalization. The transfer order comes as the former speaker faces a P7.4-billion plunder charge over alleged anomalous flood control projects. The anti-graft court directed the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, with assistance from the Philippine National Police and the Office of the Judiciary Marshals, to facilitate the transfer. "Considering the concerns raised on the medical condition of accused Romualdez, the court deems it proper to direct an independent examination of accused Romualdez at the UP-PGH to verify the medical examination conducted by accused Romualdez’s doctors at Cardinal Santos and to determine whether there is a necessity for his continued confinement at a medical facility," stated Third Division chairman Associate Justice Karl Miranda. UP-PGH director Gerardo Legazpi or his representatives are tasked to conduct the examination without the direct or indirect participation of Romualdez's current doctors. They are required to submit a report and recommendation by September 13 and testify on its contents on September 14, particularly on whether continued hospitalization is "imperative." Justice Miranda emphasized that while the court respects legitimate medical needs, hospitalization should "rest purely on medical necessity" and must "dispel any perception that the grant of hospitalization was based on the status, position, wealth or influence of the accused." He added that "Justice must apply the same standard to everyone who comes before this court." Romualdez's camp had sought to remain confined at Cardinal Santos, citing ailments such as hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, unstable angina, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular ischemic disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and primary hypothyroidism. He has been confined there since September 7, reportedly after suffering an anxiety attack and a "cardiovascular event." Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla stated that a public hospital is the appropriate venue for Romualdez, urging him not to resort to "hospital arrest." He stressed the importance of equal justice regardless of wealth or status. Romualdez's spokesman, Ade Fajardo, expressed concern over the transfer, citing medical testimonies about the high risk of a heart attack and limited time to address emergencies. He asserted that the lawmaker's pre-existing conditions and past medical history are documented and not fabricated. However, Associate Justice Ronald Moreno questioned the cardiologist's suggestion of a four to six-week waiting period before transferring, humorously remarking, "Four to six weeks? The man is already mocking us." Testimony revealed Romualdez's blood pressure reached as high as 170/110 on September 10, necessitating medication adjustments. Notably, the admitting physician clarified he did not personally examine Romualdez upon arrival, as attending physicians were present. He also found it unusual that a clinical abstract was issued hours before admission, at the request of the lawmaker's staff. This case highlights the intersection of legal proceedings, medical necessity, and the perception of special treatment for individuals in positions of power within the Philippine justice system. Information Source: Philstar Nation