Romualdez seeks continued hospital confinement amid plunder case

Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday sought the approval of the Sandiganbayan Third Division to grant him "continued hospital confinement" as he faces his plunder case.

The Office of the Ombudsman earlier filed a ₱7.4-billion plunder charge against Romualdez, former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, and their two co-accused over their alleged involvement in a kickback scheme on flood control projects.

A few hours later, the anti-graft court’s Third Division issued arrest warrants against them. Romualdez at that time was already confined at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City.

A "24 Oras" report said Romualdez was read the warrant and his rights in the presence of his lawyer.

In a nine-page manifestation addressed to the Sandiganbayan, Romualdez said that he was admitted to the hospital on September 7, 2026, and cited a medical history concerning his cardiovascular health and brain condition.

In the document’s prayer, Romualdez requested the following to the Court:

• Authorize the serving of any arrest warrant upon him at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center
• Allow him to remain under continuous lawful custody at the hospital for as long as inpatient confinement remains necessary, until he is medically cleared for transfer
• Approve the custody and security protocol he proposed
• Note that his submission to any warrant does not constitute a waiver of his previous objections to the case

Under the former speaker’s suggested custody and security protocols, he proposed that he be permitted to complete his booking and custodial documentation upon the service of the warrant.

Other requests under the proposed protocols include, among others:

• Continuous medical custody by Dr. Rosalio Torres and other responsible officers of the hospital designated by the Court
• Round-the-clock security guards
• Visitor restrictions and a visitor log
• No departure from or transfer out of the hospital without the court’s approval
• Arrangements for his required court appearances consistent with medical advice and court orders

Heart, brain condition

In his manifestation for hospital arrest, Romualdez cited his medical history, including the angioplasty surgery he underwent in October 2024 due to his coronary artery disease.

The document stated that since then, he has required continuing cardiac monitoring and treatment.

“He is currently confined due to the following: Hypertensive Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease, Unstable Angina, Coronary Artery Disease, S/P PCI (post percutaneous coronary intervention), Cerebrovascular Ischemic Disease, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, and Primary Hypothyroidism,” the motion read.

“... Accused previously underwent Angioplasty Surgery on 05 October 2024 due to Coronary Artery Disease, and has since required continuing cardiac monitoring and treatment,” it added.

The document noted that Romualdez’s current status, as reflected in his medical certificates, justifies the necessity of continuous inpatient care, warning of risks should his treatment be interrupted or if he be transferred.

His attending physician, Dr. Torres, pledged to immediately inform the court if Romualdez’s health changes significantly or if he becomes healthy enough to be cleared for transfer out of the hospital.

Shortly after police secured the former Speaker at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center, he was placed under arrest and underwent the booking process in his hospital room.—LDF, GMA News