Martin Romualdez brought to PGH for independent medical assessment

Former House speaker Martin Romualdez was transferred to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Manila from the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City on Saturday morning.

Romualdez arrived at around 8:30 a.m., according to a report by GMA News' Jonathan Andal.

PGH officials were tasked by the Sandiganbayan Third Division with assessing if Romualdez needs medical confinement after an arrest warrant was issued against him. Otherwise, he could be detained at the Quezon City Jail.

Members of the Bureau of Jail Management (BJMP) and Penology and Philippine National Police (PNP) were seen in and around the PGH.

The BJMP later issued a statement saying Romualdez was received by PGH past 8 a.m. Saturday.

"The BJMP confirms that Rep. Martin Romualdez was received at Philippine General Hospital (PGH) at approximately 8:45 AM today, 12 September 2026, pursuant to the Order of the Sandiganbayan 3rd Division," BJMP spokesperson Jail Superintendent Jayrex Bustinera said in a statement.

"He will undergo medical assessment, with PGH to submit its findings and recommendations to the Sandiganbayan," the statement read.

"The BJMP will await further court orders and will implement his transfer to the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory in Payatas, Quezon City, upon order of the court," it added.

Romualdez’s doctors have told the anti-graft court that he needed to remain confined in a medical facility. Some of the illnesses cited by his doctors included a fluctuating blood pressure and the risk of a stroke.

He also reportedly exhibited signs of depressive disorder with anxiety.

The PGH doctors were ordered to submit their assessment of Romualdez’s health by September 13, with PGH Director Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi or another representative delivering the assessment to the court the following day.

The former House speaker faces a P7.4-billion plunder charge in relation to the flood control scam, filed by the Office of the Ombudsman on Monday.

Romualdez was served the warrant of arrest at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center on Monday night where he was confined after suffering "a cardiovascular event, unstable blood pressure, and an anxiety attack," Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said.

His co-accused are former House appropriations panel chairperson Zaldy Co, Romualdez’s personal assistant Joselyn Tragua Serenio, and Samchan Foreign Exchange Corporation president Felicito Cristobal Guevarra.

Romualdez is petitioning to remain in the hospital following the issuance of an arrest warrant against him, citing various health problems. —KG, GMA News