Government to Seek Transfer of Martin Romualdez from Cardinal Santos to PNP Hospital

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) plans to request the transfer of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez from Cardinal Santos Medical Center to the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital at Camp Crame, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced on Tuesday, September 7. Romualdez remains under police custody at Cardinal Santos following his arrest on Monday night in connection with a P7.44-billion plunder case.

Romualdez, a Leyte representative, was taken into custody after the Sandiganbayan Third Division issued a warrant of arrest based on probable cause found in the plunder complaint filed by the Office of the Ombudsman. The charges allege his involvement in a massive kickback scheme linked to government projects.

Despite Romualdez’s camp requesting that he be allowed to stay at Cardinal Santos until medically cleared for transfer, citing multiple health conditions including cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hypothyroidism, the DILG expressed opposition to his continued confinement at the private hospital. Secretary Remulla stated that the government believes Romualdez’s medical needs can be adequately managed at the PNP General Hospital.

Remulla clarified that the decision to approve the transfer ultimately rests with the Sandiganbayan court, but the DILG intends to file a motion for the transfer either on Tuesday or Wednesday. He emphasized that the PNP hospital is equipped with the necessary facilities to handle Romualdez’s medical condition.

The former speaker is currently considered a person deprived of liberty and remains under the custody of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group while confined at Cardinal Santos. Two armed police officers are assigned to guard him around the clock, and his movements within the hospital are strictly restricted.

Highlighting Romualdez’s status as a flight risk, Remulla noted that the former lawmaker owns two private jets, three helicopters, and three yachts, underscoring the need for tight security measures during his confinement.

PNP medical personnel continue to monitor Romualdez’s health daily. Remulla assured that once Romualdez is deemed fit and able to appear in court, authorities will facilitate his transfer for judicial proceedings.

The Sandiganbayan’s issuance of the arrest warrant followed the Ombudsman’s filing of plunder charges against Romualdez and three others. The case involves allegations of receiving at least P7.44 billion in kickbacks from contractors and entities connected to flood control, infrastructure, and other government projects funded under the national budgets from 2022 to 2025.

This development marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to hold public officials accountable for alleged corruption involving large-scale public funds. The DILG’s move to transfer Romualdez to the PNP hospital reflects the balance authorities seek between ensuring proper medical care and maintaining custody and security during ongoing legal processes.