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LOOK: Sandiganbayan orders transfer of Romualdez to PGH
The Sandiganbayan Third Division on Friday ordered the transfer of former Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez from Cardinal Santos Medical Center to the state-run Philippine General Hospital in Manila by September 12 at 10 am.
The anti-graft court ordered Romualdez’s transfer amid the P7.4-billion plunder charges filed against the lawmaker, former House appropriations panel chairperson Zaldy Co of Ako Bicol party-list, Joselyn Tragua Serenio (personal assistant of Romualdez) and Felicito Cristobal Guevarra (president of Samchan Foreign Exchange Corporation) over their alleged involvement in the flood control project kickback scheme.
Sandiganbayan releases copy of the order for the transfer of ex-Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez from Cardinal Santos Medical Center to state-run Philippine General Hospital on September 12, Saturday @gmanews pic.twitter.com/tBga8wNro2
— Llanesca T. Panti (@llanescajourno) September 11, 2026
The anti-graft court noted that it is only proper to conduct “an independent examination of accused Romualdez at the UP-Philippine General Hospital to verify the medical examination conducted by accused Romualdez's doctors at Cardinal and to determine whether there is a necessity for his continued confinement at a medical facility.”
Romualdez has sought hospital detention in Cardinal Santos, saying such request is based on his pre-existing heart and brain-related problems.
According to Maki Pulido's report on "24 Oras," Romualdez is slated to be discharged on Saturday and transferred to the PGH via an ambulance.
There, Romualdez will have a medical examination so that the PGH can independently verify if Romualdez really needed hospital confinement.
The former speaker will also stay at the PGH until the anti-graft court makes another order.
Speaking before the court, Romualdez’s doctors said that it was too dangerous to move him because of his medical condition.
His cardiologist, Dr. Rody Sy, said that Romualdez’s tests show that his heart was within a stable range, but his blood pressure was fluctuating.
Sy said that Romualdez’s stress should be managed from four to six weeks before he is transferred.
Neurologist Rogelio Libarres also said that the possibility of the former speaker experiencing a stroke is higher because he could not sleep. Romualdez’s dosage of sleeping pills has doubled.
Psychiatrist Lourdes Ignacio also said that Romualdez was depressed and anxious, which could affect his heart and brain.
Romualdez’s counsel Ade Fajardo said that his results were not faked.
The Sandiganbayan Third Division ordered PGH doctors to submit their reports by September 13. By Monday, PGH Director Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi is ordered to deliver the assessment to the court.
The court also moved Romualdez’s arraignment and pre-trial from Monday, September 14, to Wednesday, September 16. — Llanesca T. Panti/RSJ, GMA News
