No special treatment for Martin Romualdez at QC Jail, Palace assures

September 15, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

There was no special treatment given to ex-Speaker Martin Romualdez who was finally transferred to the Quezon City Jail Mail Dormitory while undergoing trial for the flood control mess, Malacanang said on Tuesday.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace press officer Claire Castro made the remarks after Romualdez – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s cousin – was transferred to the jail facility the day before.

Romualdez is charged with plunder for allegedly receiving P 7.44 billion in kickbacks from bogus flood control projects.

“Kung ano po ang sinasapit ngayon ng mga ‘di umanong sangkot, iyan naman po ay walang dapat sinisinong. Mayaman, mahirap, ordinaryong tao, may kapangyarihan,” Castro said in a press briefing.

She went on: “Kung nakagawa man ng mali sa taumbayan, kailangan lang din pong pantay-pantay kung ano po ang naranasan ng mga akusado. So wala pong dapat na special treatment.”

Romualdez was transferred to the jail facility from the Philippine General Hospital, where he was confined. This was after the Sandiganbayan Third Division ordered an independent assessment of his medical fitness.

PGH doctors later said the lawmaker is fit to be detained, prompting Romualdez’s transfer to the jail on Monday night.