Sandiganbayan commits Martin Romualdez to Quezon City Jail; arraignment set

The Sandiganbayan has committed former Speaker Martin Romualdez, who is accused of plunder related to P7.2 billion in alleged kickbacks, to the male dormitory of the Quezon City Jail.

In its order dated September 14, the Third Division also set his arraignment on Wednesday, September 16.

"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, to be held therein as a detention prisoner and as such, the accused shall not be moved, removed, transferred, and/or otherwise be released therefrom unless ordered by the court," the court said.

"The parties are reminded that the arraignment and pre-trial of this case as to accused Romualdez si set on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 8:30 in the morning," it added.

Bureau of Jail Management and Penology spokesperson Jail Superintendent Jayrex Bustinera said the BJMP has received the commitment order.

Bustinera said Romualdez will be transferred from PGH to the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory in Payatas, Quezon City "at any time" on Monday.

The order was issued after doctors from the Philippine General Hospital told the tribunal that Romualdez no longer needed to be confined in a hospital.

"Dr. [Gerardo] Legaspi thereafter confirmed that accused Romualdez's condition is currently stable and that he no longer requires continued stay in an acute care hospital. He also informed the court that accused Romualdez could be discharged at any time," the order read.

"Nevertheless, Dr. Legaspi stated that accused Romualdez requires continued medical care, including blood pressure monitoring, access to prescribed medications, consistent use of his CPAP machine, and continuing psychiatric treatment and follow-up," it added. –NB, GMA News