Ombudsman to oppose Romualdez' request for hospital arrest
MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman intends to block former House Speaker Martin Romualdez from continued hospital detention.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano told reporters they would "strongly oppose" any motion by Romualdez to continue being confined at a hospital, instead of detained at a regular facility.
"In fact, the prosecutors will ask that not just one doctor but a team of government doctors assess whether or not the illnesses declared need confinement or can be managed outside of the hospital," Clavano said.
"If his illnesses can be managed from outside of the hospital, the prosecutors will move that he be immediately transferred to the regular detention facility as all other accused in non-bailable cases," he added.
On Monday, September 7, the Ombudsman filed a P7.4-billion plunder charge against the former House speaker and three others, over their alleged involvement in a kickback scheme in anomalous flood control works.
Romualdez was served the arrest warrant the same day while being confined at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center.
He has since sought the Sandiganbayan Third Division's approval for his continued hospital confinement. In his motion, Romualdez said he has required "continuing cardiac monitoring and treatment" since undergoing angioplasty surgery in October 2024 due to coronary artery disease.
A court hearing has been set for tomorrow, September 10, to determine whether Romualdez should remain under hospital arrest. — Cristina Chi
abtestabtest What Supreme Court's Imelda Marcos acquittal means, and what it doesn't 1 day ago The Supreme Court has overturned Imelda Marcos' seven-count graft conviction over foundations tied to the Marcos family's... Headlines President Marcos to represent Asean at BRICS Summit in India By Helen Flores | 20 hours ago President Marcos departed for New Delhi, India on Friday to attend the 18th BRICS Summit, where he is set to represent the... Headlines Senate approves Philippines-France visiting forces pact By Neil Jayson Servallos | 20 hours ago The Senate committee on foreign relations has approved the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between the Philippines... Headlines VP Sara calls on President Marcos to resign By Josiah Antonio | 20 hours ago Vice President Sara Duterte called on President Marcos to resign, branding him the “problem of the nation” as... Headlines Chances of nabbing Bato getting bigger – Jonvic By Emmanuel Tupas | 20 hours ago The chances of arresting Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa are getting bigger, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic... Headlines Latest More in Headlines Marcos arrives in India for BRICS Summit, seeks stronger ties Muslim enclave trades bullets for election ballots Martin Romualdez transferred to PGH for independent medical check Palawan ferry fire death toll rises to 35; 53 still missing abtest ‘Only 10 votes needed to reverse 16-vote rule’ By Neil Jayson Servallos | 20 hours ago It will take only 10 votes from senator-judges to overturn the initial ruling that requires 16 votes to convict Vice President... Headlines Sandigan orders transfer of Romualdez to PGH By Daphne Galvez | 20 hours ago The Sandiganbayan Third Division has ordered the transfer of Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez to the Philippine General Hospital... Headlines NBI asked to probe Candaba flood control projects By Mark Ernest Villeza | 20 hours ago Residents of Candaba, Pampanga on Friday asked the National Bureau of Investigation to investigate alleged irregularities... Headlines At least 30 bodies recovered in ferry By Bella Cariaso | 20 hours ago At least 30 bodies, mostly badly burned, have been recovered in the roll-on, roll-off passenger ferry MV June Aster, after... Headlines Higher water bills coming next month By Adrian Kenneth Halili | 20 hours ago Higher water bills loom for Metro Manila consumers starting next month, as regulators have adjusted rates for Maynilad Water... Headlines Recommended VP Sara calls on President Marcos to resign 20 hours ago Vice President Sara Duterte called on President Marcos to resign, branding him the “problem of the nation” as... HeadlinesLAW Senate approves Philippines-France visiting forces pact 20 hours ago The Senate committee on foreign relations has approved the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between the Philippines... HeadlinesSENATE EDITORIAL — Voting on the threshold 20 hours ago A simple majority in the Senate can overturn the ruling of Francis Escudero, as presiding officer of the impeachment court,... HeadlinesIMPEACHMENT Crescendo September 12, 2026 - 12:00am Sara Duterte was dragged to court on funny charges of grave threats. HeadlinesLAW Who's who: 4 ex-justices to guide Senate on votes needed to convict VP Sara 1 day ago How many votes to convict Sara? Senate calls in 3 ex-chief justices, 2 Charter framers HeadlinesJUSTICENEWS ANALYSISSARA DUTERTE'S IMPEACHMENT next Recommended VP Sara calls on President Marcos to resign Vice President Sara Duterte called on President Marcos to resign, branding him the “problem of the nation” as she accused his administration of corruption, abuse and political harassment amid the cases filed against her and members of her family. 20 hours ago LAW Senate approves Philippines-France visiting forces pact The Senate committee on foreign relations has approved the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between the Philippines and France, paving the way for the treaty’s plenary ratification next week. 20 hours ago SENATE EDITORIAL — Voting on the threshold A simple majority in the Senate can overturn the ruling of Francis Escudero, as presiding officer of the impeachment court, that 16 votes are needed to convict Vice President Sara Duterte, according to the court’s spokesperson. 20 hours ago IMPEACHMENT Crescendo Sara Duterte was dragged to court on funny charges of grave threats. 20 hours ago LAW Who's who: 4 ex-justices to guide Senate on votes needed to convict VP Sara How many votes to convict Sara? Senate calls in 3 ex-chief justices, 2 Charter framers 1 day ago JUSTICE NEWS ANALYSIS SARA DUTERTE'S IMPEACHMENT OK Are you sure you want to log out? Yes No X Login Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!
