Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez is to stay at Cardinal Santos Medical Center, according to a ruling from the Sandiganbayan Third Division. This comes as he faces plunder charges amounting to P7.4 billion related to alleged misuse of funds for flood control projects.
The court's decision, announced on Thursday, September 10, emphasizes Romualdez's health issues, particularly concerning his heart and brain. Atty. Dennis Pulma, Clerk of Court for the Third Division, confirmed that Romualdez's confinement will remain in place until further directives are issued.
The confinement of former Speaker Romualdez in Cardinal Santos will remain until further orders from the court,” said Atty. Pulma to the media.
Currently, Romualdez is under the custody of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) following a commitment order that transferred him from the Philippine National Police custody. Pulma clarified that while BJMP personnel will oversee Romualdez, the police may still assist with security matters.
The Sandiganbayan is scheduled to hear Romualdez's motion for continued hospital stay on Friday, September 11. Doctors Kurt Sibayan and Rosilio Torres from Cardinal Santos indicated that while his condition is not an emergency, there is a significant risk of potential heart attack.