MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Tuesday said former speaker Martin Romualdez would receive no special treatment despite his close ties to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his first cousin.
Remulla said President Marcos gave no instructions on how Romualdez should be arrested or treated despite their close family relationship.
“In the interest of the state, we will do everything,” he said. “ There are no friends, no fraternity brothes, no cousin of the President. The law is the law. We will follow the court’s order,” he said.
Remulla said authorities have prepared for Romualdez's possible detention at the Quezon City Jail facility in Payatas, including his room and other requirements.
Remulla said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) had completed the booking procedure for Romualdez, including taking his fingerprints and photographs and informing him of his rights in the presence of his lawyers.
The CIDG has also returned the warrant of arrest to the court, with Romualdez's lawyers raising no objections to the arrest procedure or the manner in which he was treated.
Romualdez remains confined at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center after suffering a cardiovascular event and having unstable blood pressure.
Remulla said authorities would seek Romualdez's transfer to the PNP General Hospital at Camp Crame once his condition is stable.
He said the PNP hospital has the facilities needed to treat Romualdez.
Once transferred, Romualdez's fitness to stand trial will be assessed by PNP doctors in coordination with his personal physicians. Remulla also said an independent team of medical experts would be involved in the assessment.
The secretary said authorities would monitor Romualdez's condition daily until doctors determine that he is fit to face trial.
