Romualdez taken to PGH for independent medical check

Bureau of Jail Management and Penology officers escort an ambulance reportedly carrying former speaker Martin Romualdez as the convoy arrives at the Philippine General Hospital in Manila on September 12, 2026.

Noel Pabalate

MANILA, Philippines — Leyte representative and former speaker Martin Romualdez was transferred yesterday to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Manila from Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City to undergo independent medical and diagnostic tests – as ordered by the Sandiganbayan Third Division – to determine if there is justification for his request for continued hospital detention.

The ambulance carrying Romualdez left Cardinal Santos at 8:11 a.m. and arrived at PGH 24 minutes later at 8:35 a.m. under heavy guard by police officers and personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

“He will undergo medical assessment with PGH to submit its findings and recommendations to the Sandiganbayan,” BJMP spokesman Supt. Jayrex Joseph Bustinera said on Viber.

The results of the tests are expected to be released this afternoon and presented before the Sandiganbayan tomorrow.

Romualdez’s transfer from Cardinal Santos “was safe and orderly,” UP-PGH spokesman Jonas del Rosario said, adding that they have organized a group of specialists to conduct the tests.

In a statement, the PGH said it “will remain objective and professional in conducting the examinations, in accordance to the highest standards of the medical field.”

Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, director of UP-PGH, is set to testify before the Sandiganbayan tomorrow on the hospital’s findings and recommendation. He has also been directed to submit a daily medical report on Romualdez’s condition.

The Leyte congressman, who is first cousin of President Marcos, will stay in PGH until the Sandiganbayan orders his transfer to the New Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory in Payatas.

The detention cell awaiting Romualdez can accommodate 10 detainees. It has a floor area of 47 to 50 square meters with five double deck beds, two restrooms and two ceiling fans.

Sens. Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta are detained in the same facility, on plunder charges.

Romualdez, facing plunder for allegedly receiving P7.4 billion in kickbacks from promised government projects from 2022 to 2025, was admitted at Cardinal Santos on Sept. 7 an hour before the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant for his arrest.

His was not an emergency case even if he was complaining of chest pains when admitted, Dr. Kurt Allen Sibayan told the Sandiganbayan on Thursday. Romualdez did not go through the emergency but was directly admitted to a private room, where authorities served him the arrest warrant.

A detainee shirt was draped over his hospital gown when the warrant was served, as shown in photos released by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

The Sandiganbayan on Friday transferred Romualdez’s custody to the BJMP from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the Philippine National Police. — Andrew Ronquillo, Emmanuel Tupas