Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon described former House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s transfer to the Quezon City Jail as a sign of progress in the government’s efforts to hold those allegedly involved in the flood control scandal accountable.
“Nalipat na siya sa Payatas sa QC kasama ng iba. So talagang pinatutuhanan talaga ng Pangulo at ng Ombudsman yung kanyang paulit-ulit na sinasabi. Wala ditong special, lahat ay dapat managot. Pag may ebidensya, doon tayo pupunta,” Dizon said.
He made the statement on Tuesday, September 15, following his inspection of a drainage improvement project along Sumulong Highway in Marikina City.
Romualdez was transferred to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Quezon City Jail – Male Dormitory from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) on Monday night, following an order from the Sandiganbayan Third Division.
The transfer came after PGH doctors found Romualdez clinically stable and no longer in need of hospital confinement.
Romualdez has said he respects the Sandiganbayan’s decision ordering his transfer to the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory.
He is facing a plunder case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with an alleged ₱7.4-billion kickback scheme involving government flood control projects.
Also named in the case are resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co and two other accused.
The case remains pending before the Sandiganbayan, and the allegations against the accused have yet to be proven in court.
