The Sandiganbayan Third Division expressed its appreciation to the 12 medical specialists from the University of the Philippines–Philippine General Hospital whose independent examination found former House Speaker Martin Romualdez fit for detention amid the ₱7.4-billion plunder case against him.
The findings contradicted claims from Romualdez’s camp that he needed prolonged hospital confinement and could not be transferred to jail.
The anti-graft court formally thanked UP-PGH Director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, PGH spokesperson Dr. Jonas del Rosario and the specialists who conducted the court-ordered medical assessment.
The team was composed of Dr. Eric Oliver Sison, Dr. Richard Henry Tiongco II, Dr. Frederick Philip Gloria, Dr. Bryan Paul Ramirez, Dr. Ma. Epifania Collantes, Dr. Jose Leonard Pascual, Dr. Lenora Fernandez, Dr. Nemencio Nicodemus Jr., Dr. Evangeline Bascara Dela Fuente, Dr. Constantine Della, Dr. Constantine Yu Chua and Dr. Michael Tee.
“The court extends its appreciation to the UP-PGH, Dr. Legaspi, Dr. Del Rosario as well as the following doctors who assisted in the independent medical examination of accused Romualdez,” the Sandiganbayan order read.
The PGH team examined Romualdez after his private doctors sought to justify his continued confinement at Cardinal Santos Medical Center following his arrest, citing unstable angina, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular ischemic disease, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes and hypothyroidism.
PGH committed to conducting the assessment objectively and professionally, relying on its own specialists, medical tests and diagnostic procedures. The comprehensive findings were then submitted to the Sandiganbayan to independently determine whether Romualdez still required hospital confinement.
Presenting the assessment, Legaspi described Romualdez as “clinically stable.” When asked whether the former Speaker could be discharged, Legaspi answered, “At any time.”
The PGH specialists ruled out unstable angina and confirmed chronic coronary syndrome, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes and hypothyroidism. They found the conditions manageable through medication, monitoring and follow-up care without the need for inpatient confinement.
The doctors also diagnosed Romualdez with major depression and anxiety but found no suicidal intent and determined that he did not require inpatient psychiatric treatment. They recommended monitoring his mood and suicide risk, consulting a sleep specialist, and using a CPAP or APAP machine for severe sleep apnea.
The independent assessment provided the Sandiganbayan with medical findings supporting enforcement of its commitment order while allowing Romualdez to continue receiving appropriate care. He was transferred to the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas on Sept. 14, where he remains in the infirmary and continues treatment based on PGH’s recommendations.
Now Romualdez—jailed for the ₱7.4‑billion plunder charge—is officially behind bars, stripped of his hospital shield, and no longer hiding in a grand private ward.
