BJMP ready to transfer Romualdez to Payatas jail once order issued

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) continues to secure the hospital where former Speaker Martin Romualdez is confined.

In a "24 Oras" report from Mariz Umali on Thursday, the Sandiganbayan Third Division has ordered the transfer of custody of Romualdez to the BJMP.

“Nakalagay naman po yun doon na dadalhin siya sa kulungan sa BJMP Quezon City Jail sa Payatas, Quezon City…Nakahanda lang po ang BJMP in any eventuality,” said BJMP spokesperson Jayrex Joseph Bustinera. (It is said there that he will be taken to the BJMP Quezon City Jail in Payatas, Quezon City… the BJMP is ready for any eventuality.)

Romualdez is charged with plunder over the P7.4 billion alleged flood control kickbacks.

The BJMP said that Romualdez will not receive any special treatment, nor will he be confined in a solo cell.

“Meron pong definitely may makakasama po siya doon… kung ano meron doon sa flood control accused, pati yung other high-profile PDL (persons deprived of liberty) natin, same, pare-pareho lang po ang design ng selda doon,” Bustinera said.

(Definitely he will be with someone there… what happens with the other flood control accused and other high-profile PDLs, it is the same, the cells are all designed the same.)

The BJMP also said that they have adequate medical facilities. There are also in-house medical doctors and nurses who are available around the clock.

Romualdez’s doctors have yet to clear him for travel.

“The patient is medically unfit to travel outside the hospital as of now to physically appear for the Sandiganbayan. Yun po ang nilabas today. Yun ang inilabas nilang certification (That was what was released today. That was what was on the certification),” said Philippine National Police spokesperson Police Colonel Allan Rae Co said.

The former speaker will remain in the hospital while the court hears his petition for hospital confinement.

No one could visit Romualdez other than his immediate family, legal counsel, and his doctors. Once he is given medical clearance, however, he will be transported to the Quezon CIty Jail.

The hospital said that Romualdez’s doctors will not release a medical bulletin for Thursday night.—LDF, GMA News