MALACANANG has maintained that former House speaker Martin Romualdez cannot be immediately transferred to a regular detention facility because of an attending physician’s certification stating he is not yet medically fit to leave the hospital.
The Palace emphasized that the arrangement is based on documented medical necessity rather than preferential treatment, and that the law and existing procedures allow for confinement in a medical facility when an accused person’s health so requires.
The clarification comes amid public criticism over the perceived privilege of hospital confinement extended to Romualdez, at a time when many Filipinos struggle to access similar quality medical care or even basic treatment.
Citizens and observers have raised concerns that the wealthy and powerful appear to receive accommodations not available to ordinary detainees, many of whom remain in regular detention facilities regardless of their health conditions. The Palace’s statement seeks to address these concerns by framing the decision as a procedural requirement rather than special treatment.
Authorities have yet to specify when Romualdez may be deemed fit enough to be transferred to a regular detention facility. Critics continue to call for transparency and equal application of the law, urging that the same standards of medical confinement be applied to all detainees regardless of rank, wealth, or political standing.
metrosundaily
