Martin Romualdez placed in QC Jail infirmary with PDLs under medical monitoring -BJMP

Former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has been placed in the infirmary of the Quezon City Jail in Payatas, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology said on Monday night.

In a statement, the BJMP confirmed the commitment to the QC Jail male dormitory of the Leyte congressman, who is accused of plunder related to P7.2 billion in alleged kickbacks.

"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.

"The BJMP assures the public that it will remain professional, impartial, and consistent in the implementation of its rules and regulations. All PDL under its custody are treated fairly and humanely, without distinction or privilege based on status or position," the BJMP said.

The Sandiganbayan on Monday ordered the commitment Romualdez 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.

This was after doctors told the court that Romualdez's condition didn't require confinement in a hospital.

The former Speaker had been in a hospital since his arrest; first the Cardinal Santos Medical Center, and then at the Philippine General Hospita.

"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 is set on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 8:30 in the morning," it added. –NB, GMA News