Romualdez transfer to PNP General Hospital sought

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will ask the court to allow the transfer of former speaker Martin Romualdez from a private hospital in San Juan City to PNP General Hospital at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

"Meantime, kami po ay magmo-motion for custody ni Martin Romualdez para dalhin sa Camp Crame hospital," Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said at a press briefing on Tuesday.

(For the meantime, we will be filing a motion for custody of Martin Romualdez to be taken to Camp Crame hospital.)

According to Remulla, the motion is expected to be filed either later Tuesday or Wednesday.

Romualdez was confined at a private hospital in San Juan City when authorities served his arrest warrant there on Monday evening.

Since Romualdez is considered a flight risk, Remulla said armed guards have been deployed at the San Juan City hospital.

"Dalawa ang kanyang private jet, tatlong ang kanyang helicopter, tatlo ang kanyang yacht. He is a flight risk," Remulla said.

(He has two private jets, three helicopters, and three yachts. He is a flight risk.)

According to Remulla, the PNP and the private hospital doctors agreed that Romualdez's condition is unstable. The former House Speaker reportedly suffered a stroke in July.

While Romualdez remains at the private hospital, PNP doctors will visit him daily to monitor his condition.

Remulla said Romualdez would eventually be brought before the Sandiganbayan once he is medically fit for trial. Authorities are also planning to seek his commitment to the Quezon City Jail in Payatas. — VDV, GMA News