Former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez is transferred from Cardinal Santos Medical Center to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) for an independent medical examination ordered by the Sandiganbayan Third Division. The move follows his arrest on plunder charges tied to a P7.44-billion case and is intended to assess his medical condition and verify earlier findings from his doctors.
PGH forms a team of specialists to examine and conduct diagnostic tests on Romualdez and then submit a medical report to the Sandiganbayan. PGH later files an impartial medical report recommending whether he should remain confined or be committed to the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory in Payatas City with other detainees. Courts and hospital officials also present hearings focused on his health status.
After the hearing, the Sandiganbayan orders Romualdez transferred to the QC jail male dormitory. Reporting also includes remarks by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla challenging Romualdez to “face the music” rather than seek an extended hospital stay, while medical sources note concerns about risks tied to moving him between hospitals. Romualdez says he respects the court’s decision but maintains his innocence.
