Romualdez needs 4-6 weeks before hospital transfer, doctor says

MANILA, Philippines — Four to six weeks are needed before former House Speaker Martin Romualdez could be safely transferred to another facility, his cardiologist told the Sandiganbayan on Friday.

Dr. Rody Sy, a cardiologist at Cardinal Santos Medical Center, gave the assessment during clarificatory questions from Associate Justice Ronald Moreno at the hearing on Romualdez’s plea to remain confined at the private hospital.

Moreno asked if he would allow Romualdez to be transferred to another facility, and Sy said it is possible.

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READ: ‘Big risk’ to transferRomualdez to another hospital, says witness

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Asked by Moreno how long it would take before Romualdez’s symptoms would improve enough for a transfer, Sy said, “Around four to six weeks.”

During cross-examination by Deputy Special Prosecutor Omar Sagadal, Sy reiterated that transferring Romualdez at this time is not “appropriate”. 

“It will not be ideal because there should be continuity of care,” Sy also said.

READ: Romualdez under BJMP, but transfer on hold

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Romualdez was admitted to the private hospital on Monday due to chest pain, the same day when a warrant for his arrest came out.

Moreno asked if the arrest warrant could have caused the chest pain, and Sy said: “I think so. That is a big factor.”

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In his motion filed on Monday, Romualdez said he is suffering from Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, primary hypothyroidism and other illnesses.

The Sandiganbayan Third Division issued the arrest warrant against Romualdez, former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and two others on Monday, hours after the Office of the Ombudsman filed plunder charges against them involving alleged kickbacks worth P7.44 billion.