PGH forms specialist team for independent medical evaluation of Romualdez

THE Philippine General Hospital (PGH) has assembled a team of specialists to conduct a comprehensive, independent medical examination and diagnostic workup on former House speaker and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez.

The move follows a directive from the Sandiganbayan ordering his transfer to the state‑run medical facility to ensure an impartial assessment of his health condition and care requirements. The composition of the specialist team reflects the hospital’s commitment to thoroughness and objectivity in evaluating his medical needs.

Romualdez was transferred from Cardinal Santos Medical Center to PGH at approximately 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, in compliance with the anti‑graft court’s order.

The Sandiganbayan had directed the transfer to facilitate an independent medical evaluation, citing the need for a standardized assessment free from concerns that may arise from confinement at a private facility. His arrival at PGH marks the formal start of the evaluation period that will guide the court’s next decisions regarding his custody and confinement.

According to PGH authorities, the findings and diagnostic results from the comprehensive examination will serve as the official basis for determining whether Romualdez requires continued hospital confinement or may be transferred to another facility. The medical team will assess his overall condition, including previously documented ailments such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and depressive disorder with anxiety, to provide the court with an authoritative and unbiased medical opinion.

The process underscores the delicate balance between upholding legal accountability and ensuring humane treatment under the law. Once the independent evaluation is completed, PGH will submit its findings to the Sandiganbayan, which will then determine the appropriate mode of confinement — whether to maintain hospital detention or order transfer to a regular detention facility based on the medical team’s assessment of his condition.