The Philippine National Police General Hospital (PNPGH) is fully prepared to take in former House Speaker Martin Romualdez should the Sandiganbayan approve his transfer from Cardinal Santos Medical Center, according to PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.
“The Philippine National Police General Hospital is fully prepared to accommodate former House speaker Martin Romualdez if the Sandiganbayan grants the transfer,” PGEN Nartatez said in a statement. “Our facilities and personnel are ready to provide medical care while ensuring proper custody under the law.”
Secretary Jonvic Remulla previously disclosed that the DILG intends to formally request the Sandiganbayan Third Division to order Romualdez’s transfer to the PNPGH inside Camp Crame. Remulla noted that under this arrangement, Romualdez’s private attending physicians would still be permitted to visit and treat him at the police hospital.
Addressing concerns over potential leniency, PGEN Nartatez emphasized that the PNP will strictly follow established legal procedures regardless of the accused’s background or former office.
“The PNP assures the public that there will be no special treatment regardless of an individual’s position or status. Our duty is to uphold the rule of law and strictly observe the legal processes,” Nartatez stressed.
The PNP-Criminal Investigation and Direction Group (PNP-CIDG) served the arrest warrant on Romualdez at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City earlier this week in connection with a non-bailable plunder case involving an alleged P7.44-billion flood control kickback scheme. Following the service, the CIDG returned the warrant to the Sandiganbayan alongside his medical certificate, spot report, mugshots, booking form and certificate of detention.
The PNP said it is currently awaiting the anti-graft court’s ruling on the proposed transfer while keeping Camp Crame’s medical facilities primed to maintain both health services and custodial security.