FORMER House speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has filed a request with the Sandiganbayan to remain under hospital arrest at Cardinal Santos Medical Center, citing ongoing medical treatment for heart and neurological conditions following the issuance of an arrest warrant against him in the flood control‑related plunder case.
His legal team emphasized that the request is not an attempt to evade custody but a necessary accommodation grounded in his documented health requirements.
In support of the motion, Romualdez’s lawyers submitted medical records detailing a history of heart disease, prior angioplasty, diabetes, hypertension, and neurological conditions.
They also pointed to the precedent set by the court’s earlier approval of hospital confinement for former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, who faces related charges, arguing that Romualdez’s circumstances similarly warrant continued medical supervision.
The defense clarified that Romualdez is not seeking exemption from the court’s jurisdiction or custody but rather appropriate confinement based on “documented medical necessity.”
The motion underscores the need to balance legal process with humane treatment, asking the anti‑graft court to allow him to remain at the medical facility until his condition stabilizes enough to be transferred to a regular detention facility.
metrosundaily
