Sandiganbayan orders transfer of Rep. Martin Romualdez from PGH to Payatas jail

The Sandiganbayan Third Division on Monday ordered the transfer of former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez to the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas after an independent medical evaluation declared him fit for detention.

The order followed testimony from University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, who told the anti-graft court that while Romualdez requires ongoing treatment for existing health conditions, he has no medical need for hospital confinement.

“In view of the findings of the UP-PGH in its letter dated Sept. 13, 2026 and the foregoing testimonies of Doctors Legaspi, Del Rosario, and Fabro, the court hereby orders the transfer of custody of accused Romualdez to the Quezon City Jail,” declared Associate Justice Karl Miranda, chairperson of the Third Division.

“Accordingly, the court commits to the Quezon City Jail male dormitory the living person of accused Romualdez who is charged for the crime of plunder,” Miranda added.

The tribunal explicitly directed that Romualdez may not be moved or transferred to any other facility without prior authorization from the court.

During Monday’s hearing, Legaspi testified that the former speaker exhibited no grave medical instability, was fully capable of basic self-care, and showed no risk of self-harm.

The UP-PGH evaluation determined Romualdez was at low risk of an impending heart attack, noting that his hypertension, diabetes, and chronic cerebrovascular disease are currently "controlled."

Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Legaspi explained that a multi-specialist team evaluated Romualdez using physical examinations, laboratory tests, patient interviews, and advanced medical procedures.

-Paraluman News