(Philstar.com) Manila, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan Third Division has ordered the transfer of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to the New Quezon City Jail, after doctors from the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital testified that there was no imperative medical need for him to remain hospitalized. The ruling follows an independent medical examination conducted over the weekend, requested by the court after Romualdez’s own doctors at Cardinal Santos Medical Center argued he needed continued hospital care for several conditions, including coronary artery disease and psychiatric concerns. Romualdez has remained the most talked-about name in the country since his September 7 arrest on plunder charges tied to an alleged ₱7.44-billion kickback scheme involving flood control funds between 2022 and 2025. Prosecutors allege he used his influence as Speaker to demand a monthly quota of roughly ₱2 billion in kickbacks from former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, and have since accused him of funneling part of the haul into shell companies used to acquire properties and other assets. Romualdez, a first cousin of President Marcos Jr., has denied all charges. His arraignment and pretrial had been scheduled for September 14, though it’s unclear if that proceeded given the ongoing detention dispute. Read More
