Transferring Romualdez to another hospital a 'big risk,' witness says

A witness described the transfer of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to another hospital as a "big risk," despite having no scheduled surgery or invasive procedure. Dr. Rosalio Torres, overall coordinator at Cardinal Santos Medical Center, made the remark during cross-examination by Romualdez’s counsel Jose Roy III at the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Friday. The hearing was on a motion for Romualdez’s continued confinement in the private hospital. During the cross-examination, Torres stated that Romualdez has had no scheduled invasive or emergency surgery since his confinement on Monday. He clarified that while Romualdez could undergo intensive monitoring, he was speaking strictly within his field of expertise, hematology. When asked about Romualdez’s cardiological and neurological condition, Torres responded, “No, sir, that is what I wanted to clarify. I would consider other factors, so I would not answer categorically for myself.” Romualdez was admitted to the private hospital on Monday due to chest pain. In his motion filed on Monday, Romualdez stated he is suffering from Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, primary hypothyroidism, and other illnesses. Romualdez, along with former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and two others, faces charges of "repeatedly receiving, directly or indirectly, on at least fifteen (15) occasions, commissions, shares, percentages, kickbacks, ‘commitments’ and/or other pecuniary benefits” worth at least P7.44 billion, according to the information filed by prosecutors before the anti-graft court. The Sandiganbayan Third Division has issued an arrest warrant against Romualdez and Co. However, the transfer of Romualdez to another hospital remains on hold, a situation now complicated by the witness's testimony. Political corruption has been a long-standing issue in the Philippines, and health considerations in legal proceedings have often influenced case progression.