NEITHER influence nor blood ties would be enough to keep anyone from being hauled to a regular jail for violating the law, says the Sandiganbayan following the completion of an “independent medical assessment” on former House Speaker Martin Romualdez at the Philippine General Hospital.
In its resolution, the Sandiganbayan ordered the immediate transfer of Romualdez to the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory, after a team of doctors from the PGH submitted their findings — that the Leyte congressman is clinically stable and could now be discharged from the hospital.
“Confinement is not necessary, provided that medical care is assured,” reads part of the medical assessment.
However, the PGH doctors recommended that the latter’s identified conditions be monitored and treated.
On orders of the Sandiganbayan, Romualdez was transferred on Saturday morning to the PGH in Manila from the Cardinal Santos Medical Center, where the former House Speaker was “arrested,” by virtue of a warrant over plunder charges in connection with the so-called flood control scandal.
Romualdez’s co-accused former Ako Bicol partylist Rep. Zaldy Co has yet to be arrested.
In a statement, Romualdez said he respects the Sandiganbayan’s decision.
“I have always said that I will face the charges against me and answer them before the proper court. That has not changed. I maintain my innocence. Haharapin ko ang kaso. Sasagutin ko ang mga paratang,” the statement reads.
