Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez does not attend Thursday’s Sandiganbayan hearing on his motion for continued house arrest because, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP), he is not yet medically fit to travel.
Both outlets cite the PNP’s statement that the latest medical certification indicates he cannot travel at this time. In the report, PNP’s public information chief says the certification is based on medical advice referenced as coming from Cardinal Santos. The hearing is tied to Romualdez’s legal status after his arrest last Monday on a non-bailable plunder charge, with the court requiring his appearance for the matter involving his request to remain under hospital confinement.
While the two reports focus on the same development—the PNP’s claim that he is unfit to travel—they frame it around slightly different wording: one refers to “medically unfit to travel” and another emphasizes the “latest medical certification” and the specific source. Neither outlet provides additional details on the underlying medical condition or whether the court will reschedule based on his absence.
