Sandiganbayan Urges Agencies to Address Needs of New Quezon City Jail

MANILA, Philippines—The Sandiganbayan Third Division on Tuesday called the attention of two government agencies and lawmakers regarding the equipment and staff needed by New Quezon City Jail in Barangay Payatas following the transfer of former Speaker Martin Romualdez. In a statement, the court said copies of its Sept. 14 order directing the transfer of Romualdez were furnished to the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), as well as to the House of Representatives and the Senate. "The court is directing these agencies and lawmakers to address the needs of the New Quezon City Jail regarding equipment and personnel," the Sandiganbayan said. Romualdez was transferred to the New Quezon City Jail from the Bureau of Investigation (BI) detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, on Sept. 14. The Sandiganbayan has previously ordered the transfer of Romualdez, who is facing graft and corruption charges, to a detention facility that can accommodate him. Romualdez, who was the Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2019 to 2022, is accused of graft and corruption in connection with the alleged misuse of P1.7 billion in pork barrel funds. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Sandiganbayan's order highlights the ongoing challenges in managing the country's correctional facilities, which often grapple with overcrowding and inadequate resources. The transfer of high-profile individuals can put additional strain on these facilities, necessitating a review of their operational capabilities and security protocols.