The Philippine National Police will ask the Sandiganbayan to order the transfer of Leyte Rep. and former Speaker Martin Romualdez to the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
Romualdez has been confined at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center since Monday, when he was charged and ordered arrested over a P7.4 billion plunder case.
He has also filed a motion asking the court to allow him to remain in hospital custody.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the PNP hospital can attend to Romualdez’s medical needs.
“Kami po ay magmo-motion for custody ni Martin Romualdez para dalhin sa Camp Crame Hospital. That motion will be filed later or tomorrow para maklaro na hindi kami pumapayag na sa Cardinal Santos. Kaya naman namin sa Crame ‘yan,” Remulla said.
He said Romualdez’s doctors could continue providing him with the necessary care at the PNP hospital.
He also said that once Romualdez has been deemed fit, the police would bring him to the court.
According to him, Romualdez’s doctors have informed PNP medical personnel that his cardiovascular condition makes him medically unstable to appear before the court or be transferred to a regular detention facility.
But he also said Romualdez is closely guarded at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center, with armed guards stationed outside his room around the clock, in the lobby, and outside the hospital.
Romualdez, former lawmaker Elizaldy Co, personal aide Joselyn Serenio, and businessman Felicito Guevarra were charged with plunder in connection with Romualdez’s and Co’s alleged receipt of kickbacks from contractors and entities with interest in flood control projects and other government infrastructure projects.