Metro Manila, Philippines – Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez has been transferred to the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory in Payatas Monday evening, Sept. 14, after the Sandiganbayan Third Division found him clinically stable and no longer in need of hospital confinement.
Romualdez had been confined at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) since Sept. 12 for a court-ordered independent medical examination.
UP-PGH director Gerardo Legaspi told the court that a multidisciplinary team examined Romualdez on Sept. 12.
The team also reviewed the findings of Cardinal Santos Medical Center, where Romualdez was initially confined.
Legaspi said the former House speaker has coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, severe sleep apnea, and a psychiatric condition.
But the doctors found no signs of an acute heart problem or a new or ongoing stroke.
His hypertension, diabetes, and hypothyroidism were also controlled with medication.
Romualdez needs to use a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) or APAP (automatic positive airway pressure) machine every night for his sleep apnea.
He also needs continued psychiatric treatment and follow-up.
A dobutamine stress test also showed that Romualdez’s heart tolerated increased workload, with no signs of reduced blood flow requiring hospital treatment.
The UP-PGH team recommended that Romualdez continue taking his medications, have his blood pressure monitored and use his CPAP or APAP machine every night.
He should also have access to cardiac testing if he develops chest pain or other symptoms.
Jail medical support
Henry Fabro, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory chief medical officer, told the court that the facility can provide Romualdez’s medications and accommodate his CPAP or APAP machine.
His private doctors can also visit him.
The jail can bring him to a hospital in case of an emergency.
Fabro said the facility has six nurses per shift and an ambulance with a cardiac monitor and oxygen. Drivers are available 24/7.
Under the jail’s protocol, detainees with medical emergencies are immediately taken to the nearest hospital.
Fabro said travel from Payatas to East Avenue Medical Center could take about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
Based on the medical findings and the testimonies of Legaspi, UP-PGH cardiologist Jonas Del Rosario and Fabro, the Sandiganbayan said there was no longer an “imperative medical need” for Romualdez to remain in the hospital.
Romualdez is facing a plunder case over alleged ₱7.4 billion in kickbacks from flood control projects. He has maintained his innocence.
His arraignment and pre-trial are scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 8:30 a.m.
