As public pressure mounts for Martin Romualdez to be jailed, the Sandiganbayan Third Division ordered his transfer from Cardinal Santos Medical Center to the Philippine General Hospital for an independent medical exam—to determine if he’s truly sick or just hiding behind hospital detention to dodge jail.
Romualdez is set to be brought to PGH on September 12. Once transferred, he will remain there until the Sandiganbayan authorizes his movement to another facility, with the PGH director required to report findings at the next hearing on Monday, September 14.
The order followed hearings on Romualdez’s request to stay confined at Cardinal Santos. PGH physicians will independently assess him and verify the claims of his private doctors who insist on keeping him in the hospital.
Romualdez’s medical team cited cardiovascular, neurological, and psychological risks. Psychiatrist Dr. Lourdes Ignacio said he suffers depressive disorder and severe anxiety but admitted government psychiatrists could manage his medication. Neurologist Dr. Rogelio Libarres warned stress and poor sleep could trigger another stroke. Dr. Rosalio Torres claimed Romualdez has unstable angina and coronary disease requiring continuous monitoring.
Cardiologist Dr. Rody Sy testified Romualdez was initially “cardiovascularly stable,” with normal readings, but later had blood pressure spikes up to 170/110. He recommended four to six weeks of stabilization before transfer.
The Sandiganbayan rejected further delay, directing Romualdez to undergo independent government medical assessment at PGH—removing control from his private medical team and keeping any transfer subject to court approval.
Romualdez has remained under police custody at Cardinal Santos since his September 7 arrest in the ₱7.4‑billion plunder case tied to the ₱56‑billion flood‑control scandal. His PGH transfer will be his first move since authorities served the warrant.
If independent doctors confirm no emergency procedure is needed, then Romualdez lied again—and the solution is simple: send the master plunderer to jail.
