Martin Romualdez jailed in QC Jail in Payatas

Former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has arrived at the Quezon City Jail, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology has said.

According to the BJMP, Romualdez arrived at the Payatas facility at 10:49 p.m.

He will undergo standard booking procedures: medical evaluation, fingerprinting, mugshot, interview, and orientation.

In a statement, the BJMP said Romualdez was placed in the jail infirmary.

"Considering his medical needs and the medical recommendations presented before the Court, Rep. Romualdez has been placed in the jail infirmary together with other [persons deprived of liberty] requiring medical monitoring," the BJMP said.

The BJMP said the arrangement is in accordance with BJMP policies and the Sandiganbayan’s directives to ensure that his continuing medical needs are properly attended to.

Romualdez faces plunder charges over P7.2 billion in alleged kickbacks from government infrastructure projects.

His co-accused, former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, Samchan Foreign Exchange Corp. president Felicito Guevarra, and Romualdez’s personal assistant Joselin Sereño are all at large.

Other officials facing plunder before the Sandiganbayan who are detained at the QC Jail in Payatas include Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta. Also in the said jail is former Anak Kalusugan party-list Rep. Michael Defensor.

In a statement, Romualdez said he respects the Sandiganbayan’s decision.

“I have always said that I will face the charges against me and answer them before the proper court. That has not changed,” he said.

“I maintain my innocence. Haharapin ko ang kaso. Sasagutin ko ang mga paratang,” he added.

(I maintain my innocence. I will face the case. I will answer the allegations.)

He also extended his gratitude to the doctors.

The Sandiganbayan on Monday committed Romualdez to the male dormitory of the Quezon City Jail.

He had been in the hospital since his arrest. First, in the Cardinal Santos Medical Center, and then in the Philippine General Hospital.

Doctors from the PGH on Monday told the Sandiganbayan that his condition was stable enough so as not to require being confined in the hospital.

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. –NB, GMA News