‘Man up’: Remulla on Romualdez’s hospital confinement bid

MANILA, Philippines — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has dared former House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez to “man up” and “face the music” over his continued bid to extend his hospital confinement.

Remulla said this on Friday, soon after the Sandiganbayan Third Division ordered Romualdez’s transfer from Cardinal Santos Medical Center to the Philippine General Hospital.

READ: Romualdez to stay in PGH indefinitely starting Sept.12

“It’s very sad that the former Speaker is resorting to this,” Remulla said in a press conference. “I know him very well; he should take it with more dignity.”

Remulla said, “I am not happy about it,” but he said the Office of the Ombudsman should apply the law. 

“Face the music, face the charges like a real man should, man up to it,” he said.

Inquirer sought comment from Romualdez camp, but they have yet to respond as of posting. We will include their side once available.

On Monday, the Office of the Ombudsman filed plunder cases against Romualdez, former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, and two others involving alleged kickbacks worth P7.44 billion.

The Sandiganbayan Third Division then issued an arrest warrant for Romualdez that day, which was served at Cardinal Santos, where the Leyte representative was confined./coa