MALE Quezon City Jail—Male Dormitory Superintendent Maria Lourdes Pacion confirmed before the Sandiganbayan on Thursday, November 5, that a member of Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez’s personal staff is permitted inside the detention facility to attend to his needs.
The admission came during her required testimony regarding reports that the former House Speaker had been leaving the jail premises without authorization, prompting the court to summon both Pacion and the facility’s medical officer to clarify the actual conditions of his detention.
The warden did not specify the nature of the staff member’s duties or the extent of their access, but confirmed the arrangement is in place to assist Romualdez while he is held at the facility.
The disclosure adds another layer of scrutiny to the circumstances surrounding his detention, as questions have been raised over whether he is receiving special treatment not available to other detainees. The court is expected to seek further details on the staff member’s role, hours of presence, and whether any official approval was obtained to allow the arrangement.
The hearing stems from broader concerns that Romualdez has been sneaking out of the jail, allegations he has denied and threatened legal action over. Thursday’s proceedings represent the court’s effort to establish a clear, verified record of all special privileges, accommodations, or departures linked to his detention. The court has emphasized that any confirmed irregularities will be addressed accordingly, and the testimony of the jail officials is being closely reviewed to ensure equal treatment under the law.
metrosundaily
