BJMP cites mental health in allowing personal aide for detained Rep. Martin Romualdez

Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has been granted a personal aide inside his cell at the New Quezon City Jail–Male Dormitory due to mental health concerns, jail officials confirmed to the Sandiganbayan on Thursday (November 5, 2026).

Testifying before the anti-graft court, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Warden Lourdes Pacion stated that the special arrangement was authorized on humanitarian grounds to assist the Leyte representative with his day-to-day needs while in custody.

Ambulance Trips Denied

The revelation surfaced during a hearing called to address allegations raised by columnist Ramon "Mon" Tulfo, who claimed that Romualdez was secretly exiting the facility using an ambulance.

Pacion refuted the claim under oath, assuring the court that the former lawmaker has not left the detention compound except for officially sanctioned appearances, such as court hearings.

Following the warden's testimony, Tulfo retracted his assertion, admitting that the information provided by his sources was incorrect.

Defense Seeks Vindication

Romualdez’s legal counsel immediately called on the Sandiganbayan to note the retraction, maintaining that the false narrative had unjustifiably tarnished their client's standing.

The former House leader remains detained while standing trial over alleged irregularities in flood control projects executed between 2022 and 2025. -RA Sibag/Paraluman News