The Sandiganbayan on Monday, September 14, ordered the transfer of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory after Philippine General Hospital (PGH) found him clinically stable and no longer in need of hospital confinement.
According to a report by Val Gonzales, the order was issued based on medical findings and testimonies presented before the court.
Romualdez, who is facing a plunder charge, will remain in custody at the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory. He cannot be transferred, moved, or released without a court order.
The order came after PGH Director Dr. Gerardo “Gap” Legaspi testified before the Sandiganbayan regarding Romualdez’s medical condition.
In response to a question from Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Ronald Moreno, Legaspi said Romualdez may already be discharged from the hospital.
Legaspi said Romualdez is clinically stable and does not require continued inpatient confinement for his cardiac condition. Based on PGH’s independent medical evaluation, his risk of an impending heart attack is low.
Romualdez continues to have chronic coronary syndrome, but unstable angina was ruled out during the medical evaluation. Legaspi said his condition can be managed outside the hospital.
On Romualdez’s mental health, Legaspi testified that he has major depressive disorder and anxiety but does not exhibit suicidal intent.
The PGH director said Romualdez does not require inpatient psychiatric intervention, although continued psychiatric treatment, follow-up, and monitoring of his mood and suicide risk were recommended.
Legaspi also said Romualdez does not have severe psychiatric instability that would prevent him from performing basic self-care and does not currently pose a risk of suicidal harm.
