THE Sandiganbayan Third Division on Monday ordered former speaker Martin Romualdez transferred to the Quezon City Jail in Payatas after doctors from the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital found that his medical condition no longer required hospitalization.
The order came after the court heard the assessment of PGH Director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, who said Romualdez was clinically stable and could be discharged “at any time.” Legaspi told the court that while Romualdez’s conditions required continued monitoring and treatment, these did not require him to remain confined in a hospital as long as proper medical care was available.
The finding marked a sharp turn from earlier proceedings before the Third Division, where Romualdez’s medical team argued that transferring him from Cardinal Santos Medical Center was not yet ideal and said he needed four to six weeks of recovery because of stress-related health concerns.
Associate Justice Ronald Moreno questioned the proposed recovery period, noting the public attention surrounding Romualdez’s detention.
Romualdez on Monday maintained his innocence and vowed to face the charges against him.
“I respect the decision of the Sandiganbayan,” he said in a statement.
Romualdez said he would continue following his doctors’ medical advice and thanked the physicians who treated him at Cardinal Santos Medical Center and Philippine General Hospital.
“I maintain my innocence. I will face the case and answer the allegations,” he said.
