BJMP probes alleged ‘irregularities’ in Romualdez’s detention

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology said that it is investigating the irregularities that allegedly occurred in the detention of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

In a statement on Wednesday, November 4, the BJMP said that Chief Jail Director Efren Nemeño ordered an immediate investigation after rumours that Romualdez has been going out of prison.

“The investigation is ongoing. The BJMP reiterates that all PDL are subject to the same custodial rules and that any movement outside the jail requires a proper court order,” the BJMP said.

“We welcome relevant information from the public and will cooperate with any investigation by other government agencies,” it added.

According to initial CCTV verification by the BJMP National Headquarters, the Quezon City Jail–Male Dormitory experienced no power or feed interruptions, and Romualdez was not observed moving outside the facility throughout the examined timeframe.

The statement from the jail bureau came after a Facebook post by journalist Mon Tulfo, which said that Romualdez has been going out of prison by ambulance.

Romualdez has been in prison in Quezon City for a P7.44-billion non-bailable plunder case linked to flood control projects.