Romualdez transferred to PGH for independent medical exam

Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez was transferred to the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) on Saturday, September 12, to undergo an independent medical examination. This move comes amid his request for continued hospital confinement, following his arrest in connection with a P7.44-billion plunder case. The anti-graft court Sandiganbayan’s Third Division had ordered the hospital transfer and independent test on Friday, September 11. Romualdez, who was arrested in his hospital room at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City on September 7, claimed to have various diseases, including hypertension and heart problems, in his motion for continued hospital confinement under custody. Following the court order, Romualdez left his previous hospital at past 8 am on Saturday and arrived at UP-PGH at 8:35 am. Personnel from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) were among those who escorted the ambulance carrying him. The medical test was scheduled for 10 am. BJMP physician Henry Fabro declined to comment to the media on Romualdez's condition. The congressman is set to remain at UP-PGH until further court orders. Doctors at UP-PGH are directed to submit their report and recommendations on the medical examination by Sunday, September 13. They are also required to testify on Monday, September 14, regarding the "imperative need" for Romualdez's continued hospital confinement. After the resolution on his request, the former speaker is to be detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas.