Ex-Speaker Romualdez moved to QC Jail infirmary for medical monitoring

Former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has been placed in the infirmary of the Quezon City Jail (QC Jail) in Payatas, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) confirmed Monday night. The Leyte congressman is accused of plunder related to alleged kickbacks amounting to P7.2 billion. The BJMP stated that considering his medical needs and the recommendations presented to the court, Representative Romualdez has been housed in the jail's infirmary alongside other persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) requiring medical monitoring. This arrangement adheres to BJMP policies and the directives from the Sandiganbayan to ensure his ongoing medical care is properly managed. "The BJMP assures the public that it will remain professional, impartial, and consistent in the implementation of its rules and regulations. All PDL under its custody are treated fairly and humanely, without distinction or privilege based on status or position," the BJMP said in its statement. The Sandiganbayan, on Monday, ordered the commitment of Romualdez to the male dormitory of the Quezon City Jail. His arraignment was set for Wednesday, September 16. This followed medical advisories to the court that Romualdez's condition did not necessitate hospital confinement. He had been hospitalized since his arrest, initially at Cardinal Santos Medical Center and later at the Philippine General Hospital. "Accordingly, the court commits to the Quezon City Jail - Male Dormitory the living person of accused Romualdez, who is charged for the crime of plunder, to be held therein as a detention prisoner and as such, the accused shall not be moved, removed, transferred, and/or otherwise be released therefrom unless ordered by the court," the court's order stated. The parties were reminded that the arraignment and pre-trial of the case as to Romualdez is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 8:30 in the morning. –NB, GMA News