Cleared by doctors, Rep. Martin Romualdez moved from PGH to Payatas jail

Former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez was transferred to the New Quezon City Jail in Barangay Payatas late Monday night, following his discharge from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).

A Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) convoy escorted Romualdez to the facility, arriving at 10:49 p.m.

BJMP spokesperson Capt. Jayrex Bustinera confirmed his arrival, stating that the lawmaker will undergo standard booking procedures, including a medical evaluation, fingerprinting, mugshots, an initial interview, and facility orientation.

Romualdez’s transfer followed a Monday noon order from the Sandiganbayan Third Division. The directive was issued after PGH director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi testified in court that Romualdez was medically stable and fit for discharge.

Dr. Legaspi reported that around a dozen specialists evaluated Romualdez and determined he was at low risk for a heart attack, with his hypertension and diabetes properly managed. While the hospital chief noted that Romualdez was experiencing anxiety and depression, he emphasized that these conditions did not warrant continued hospitalization.

Before his brief weekend stay at PGH, Romualdez had been admitted to the Cardinal Santos Medical Center, where authorities originally served his arrest warrant on Sept. 7.

The Sandiganbayan issued arrest warrants for Romualdez, former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, and two others on Sept. 7 in connection with a plunder case involving alleged kickbacks totaling ₱7.44 billion.

While Romualdez was expected to arrive at the Payatas facility by 6:00 p.m. on Monday, authorities have not yet cited a reason for the nearly five-hour delay.