(UPDATE) MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan Third Division on Monday ordered former speaker Martin Romualdez transferred to the Quezon City Jail in Payatas after doctors from the Philippine General Hospital found that his medical condition no longer required hospitalization.
The order came after the court heard the assessment of Dr. Gerardo “Gap” Legaspi,, PGH director, 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.
Romualdez was found to be suffering from chronic coronary syndrome, chronic coronary artery disease, hypothyroidism and sleep apnea, but his other medical conditions were under controlled medication, according to the medical findings.
The doctors also found no indication of an ongoing stroke, while assessing Romualdez’s condition as currently stable and no longer requiring inpatient care.
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 had questioned that proposed recovery period as the court weighed whether Romualdez’s medical condition justified his continued stay outside Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
“In view of the findings … the Court hereby orders the transfer of custody of accused to the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory,” the anti-graft court said.
Meanwhile, Romualdez maintained his innocence and vowed to face the charges against him .
“I respect the decision of the Sandiganbayan,” Romualdez 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.
