MANILA, Philippines — Former speaker Martin Romualdez was turned over to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) from the Philippine National Police, the BJMP itself confirmed in a statement.
“The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) confirms that at approximately 4:15 p.m. on 10 September 2026, Rep. Martin Romualdez was turned over to BJMP custody by the PNP-CIDG at Cardinal Santos Medical Center, pursuant to the Commitment Order issued by the Sandiganbayan Third Division,” the BJMP said.
The BJMP said that Romualdez “will be accorded the same treatment and privileges as other persons deprived of liberty, with no VIP or special treatment.”
Upon medical clearance for discharge and upon order of the court, he will be transferred to the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory in Payatas, Quezon City.
Earlier on Thursday, the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court heard Romualdez’s motion for continued hospital arrest before issuing the commitment order.
Romualdez is facing a P7.4 billion plunder charge over alleged involvement in the flood control kickback mess.
Ahead of the hearing, the PNP said Romualdez would not be present because the former apeaker's camp secured a certification from the hospital that he was "medically unfit" to travel.
In an interview, Col. Allen Rae Co, PNP spokesman, said it acknowledged cognizance of the Sandiganbayan order and that they were ready to transfer custody of the former speaker to the BJMP.
“What we would like to reassure ay kung ano po ang maging desisyon ng Sandiganbayan we will be respecting it and we will follow. Susundin lang po natin kung ano ang magiging kautusan at desisyon ng Sandiganbayan,” Co said.
(What we would like to reassure everyone is that whatever decision the Sandiganbayan makes, we will respect and follow it. We will simply follow whatever order and decision the Sandiganbayan issues.)
