The University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) has formed a team of specialists to conduct medical examinations and diagnostic tests on former Speaker Martin Romualdez, the incumbent Leyte representative, in connection with his bid to remain in hospital detention.
Romualdez, who has been arrested for plunder, has filed a motion asking the court to let him remain in the hospital due to his illnesses.
The Sandiganbayan ordered the UP-PGH to conduct an independent assessment of Romualdez’s condition.
In a statement, the UP-PGH said the team of specialists would prepare a comprehensive report for submission to the court, and this would also form the basis of its recommendation on whether Romualdez should remain confined at a hospital.
It vowed to be objective and professional in its assessment and to adhere to the highest standards in medicine.
It also said it would submit the result of its assessment to the court only and would not make the details public.
Romualdez, the President’s cousin, was transferred to the UP-PGH on Saturday from the Cardinal Santos Medical Center, where he had been confined since Monday, the same day he was charged with plunder and ordered arrested.
He has asked the Sandiganbayan to let him remain in the hospital due to his ailments.
His doctors testified before the court about his condition and the risk, if any, of his being committed to a jail facility or a government hospital.
The court then ordered the UP-PGH to conduct an independent assessment of his condition to determine whether he needs to remain in a medical facility.
It also directed the PGH to submit a report and recommendation and to allow Romualdez to remain in the hospital until further orders from the court.
Romualdez is facing a P7.4 billion plunder case along with former lawmaker Elizaldy Co, Romualdez’s personal aide Joselyn Serenio, and businessman Felicito Guevarra.
This was in connection with the alleged receipt of kickbacks from contractors, persons, and entities with interests in flood control, infrastructure and other government projects.