Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez is set to be relocated to the Quezon City Jail in Payatas once medical professionals confirm he is fit to stand trial. This announcement was made by Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
Health Status and Legal Proceedings
Currently, Romualdez is being treated at Cardinal Santos Medical Center for complications related to a cardiovascular event and unstable blood pressure. Remulla emphasized that once Romualdez is deemed fit, the process for his transfer will begin.
We will check on his condition every day. The doctors will make the determination if he is fit to stand trial; but we will not stop.
Jonvic Remulla, DILG Secretary
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) plans to file a motion to transfer Romualdez to the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital in Camp Crame. Remulla stated that they prefer this location over the private hospital.
- Romualdez was charged with plunder related to the alleged misuse of P7.4 billion in government funds.
- He suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA), commonly known as a mini-stroke, in July.
The CIDG has already returned Romualdez’s arrest warrant to the Sandiganbayan, which was served on September 7, 2026, shortly after the Ombudsman filed plunder charges against him and others.
Remulla's comments reflect a broader trend of strict enforcement of legal proceedings against public officials facing serious allegations. This incident has drawn comparisons to other high-profile cases where health conditions have impacted judicial processes.