Martin Romualdez faces plunder charges and medical transfer dispute

Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez is facing legal and medical scrutiny following plunder charges involving alleged kickbacks worth P7.44 billion. The Sandiganbayan Third Division recently issued an arrest warrant for Romualdez, which was served while he was confined at Cardinal Santos Medical Center.

Romualdez has sought to remain at his current facility, but the Sandiganbayan ordered his transfer to the Philippine General Hospital. His cardiologist, Dr. Rody Sy, testified that moving Romualdez is “high risk” due to a coronary condition and recent blood pressure spikes reaching 170/110. Sy estimated a 10% to 20% chance of an “untoward incident” during transfer and suggested waiting four to six weeks for a stable evaluation.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla criticized the former Speaker’s attempt to extend his hospital confinement, urging him to “man up” and “face the music” regarding the charges. While Romualdez’s medical team maintains his condition requires specific facilities, the court continues to oversee the legal proceedings related to the plunder case.