THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has released the official mugshots of former House Speaker and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez following his transfer to the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory on Monday night.
The transfer took place shortly after a medical team from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) declared him clinically stable and fit for discharge, ending his period of hospital confinement that began following his arrest on plunder charges.
Romualdez underwent standard booking procedures upon arrival at the jail facility, including the taking of identification photographs and personal records.
The move followed an independent medical evaluation ordered by the Sandiganbayan Third Division, which had directed PGH specialists to assess his health after his legal team petitioned to keep him confined at the private Cardinal Santos Medical Center citing hypertension, depressive disorder, and anxiety. PGH Director Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi reported to the court that while Romualdez’s conditions require continuing monitoring, hospital confinement is no longer necessary provided that appropriate medical care is assured in detention.
The former House Speaker faces plunder charges alleging his involvement in an estimated ₱7.2‑billion kickback scheme linked to government infrastructure projects. His three co‑accused — former Ako Bicol party‑list Representative Zaldy Co, Samchan Foreign Exchange Corporation President Felicito Guevarra, and Romualdez’s personal assistant Joselyn Serenio — remain at large. Romualdez has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings and has stated that he respects the court’s transfer order even as he defends himself against the charges.
metrosundaily
