Palace denies special treatment for Rep. Martin Romualdez at QC jail

Malacañang dismissed allegations that former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has been receiving special treatment while detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas, during a press briefing on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

The Palace issued the statement after reports circulated on social media claiming that Romualdez had allegedly left the detention facility without authorization after a supposed power outage disabled the jail's CCTV system.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the allegations were baseless and could undermine public trust in government institutions.

According to Castro, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) found no evidence of a power interruption, CCTV malfunction, or unauthorized movement involving Romualdez during its initial review. She added that the last recorded instance of Romualdez leaving the facility was for a court-approved hearing on Oct. 12.

Castro stressed that all persons deprived of liberty are subject to the same rules and that any movement outside a detention facility requires court authorization. She also challenged those making the allegations to support their claims with evidence and review the available CCTV footage.

Separately, the Sandiganbayan Third Division ordered two officials of the BJMP Quezon City Jail-Male Dormitory to appear before the court on Nov. 5 and explain matters relating to Romualdez's custody.

Jail Superintendent Maria Lourdes Pacion and Medical Officer Henry Fabro are scheduled to testify at 8:30 a.m. after reports surfaced alleging that Romualdez had been secretly leaving the detention facility.

The BJMP has likewise opened an investigation into the allegations. Romualdez remains under detention over charges tied to the controversial flood control project case.