THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) released updated mugshots of former House Speaker and incumbent Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez, following his transfer to the New Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory in Payatas.
Unlike his initial arrest mugshot—taken in a hospital bed—the new photos show Romualdez standing while wearing the standard yellow Person Deprived of Liberty (PDL) shirt prescribed by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
Romualdez was committed to the jail facility at 10:49 p.m. after the Sandiganbayan Third Division ordered his transfer from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).
BJMP spokesperson Supt. Jayrex Bustinera stated that the lawmaker was placed in the jail infirmary alongside other detainees requiring ongoing medical monitoring.
The court directive followed a medical evaluation by PGH Director Dr. Gerardo “Gap” Legaspi, who testified that Romualdez was “clinically stable” and fit for discharge.
Although the lawmaker suffers from chronic coronary syndrome, primary hypothyroidism, sleep apnea, and controlled diabetes, medical experts determined that his conditions do not require inpatient hospital care as long as proper monitoring is maintained.
Romualdez was arrested on September 7 over a non-bailable, ₱7.4-billion plunder charge related to alleged infrastructure and flood-control project kickbacks from 2022 to 2025.
He was initially served an arrest warrant at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center before being moved to PGH for independent evaluation.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that Romualdez underwent standard booking procedures upon arrival at the Payatas facility.
Meanwhile, BJMP assured the public that all detention rules will be applied impartially and humanely, without special privileges based on status.
Despite the court denying his petition for extended hospital confinement, Romualdez stated that he respects the Sandiganbayan’s order while maintaining his innocence.
“I maintain my innocence. Haharapin ko ang kaso. Sasagutin ko ang mga paratang (I will face the charges. I will answer the allegations),” Romualdez said, adding that he will face the proceedings with dignity.
