The Sandiganbayan has ordered the transfer of custody of former speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez from the Philippine National Police (PNP) to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
Sandiganbayan Third Division chairperson Karl Miranda made the announcement after the anti-graft court issued a commitment order for Romualdez to be detained at the New Quezon City jail in Payatas, a facility which is under BJMP's jurisdiction.
Miranda made the announcement ahead of the hearing on Romualdez's motion to remain under hospital detention in Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan over heart and brain-related health concerns.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Colonel John Guiagui, chief of the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said the police will comply with the court's order.
"The custody [of former Speaker] will now be transferred to the BJMP," Guiagui told reporters.
Likewise, Guiagui said it is up for the BJMP to determine the required number of personnel to keep watch on Romualdez.
The Office of the Ombudsman on Monday filed a P7.4-billion plunder charge against Romualdez, former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co, and others over their alleged involvement in a kickback scheme on flood control projects.
One day more
Also on Thursday, Ombudsman prosecutors asked for one more day to prepare for the cross examination of Romualdez's doctors in Cardinal Santos, namely Dr. Rody Sy (cardiology) and Dr. Lourdes Ignacio (internal medicine with sub-specialization in psychiatry).
This developed after Dr. Kurt Allen Sibayan and Dr. Rosalio Torres testified before the Sandiganbayan Third Division that Romualdez's case was not an emergency case, although he remains at high risk for possible heart attack.
Deputy Special Prosecutor Omar Sagadal told the anti-graft court, "It is our humble plea, Your Honors, that we continue tomorrow. The witnesses' testimonies are technical in nature. We need time for studying their judicial affidavit."
The court granted Sagadal's plea, but Sandiganbayan Third Division Associate Justice Ronald Moreno made it of record that it was over and above the court's objection.
"The witnesses are already here. You could have examined them [now]," Moreno said.
Sy was present during Thursday's hearing, while Ignacio has been subpoenaed or ordered to testify before the Sandiganbayan on Friday, September 11. — VDV, GMA News
Facts Only
* Sandiganbayan ordered the transfer of custody of Martin Romualdez from the PNP to the BJMP.
* The commitment order specified detention at the New Quezon City jail in Payatas, which is under BJMP jurisdiction.
* The announcement was made by Sandiganbayan Third Division chairperson Karl Miranda.
* The move occurred ahead of a hearing on Romualdez's motion for hospital detention at Cardinal Santos Medical Center.
* Philippine National Police (PNP) Colonel John Guiagui stated the police would comply with the court order and that the BJMP would determine personnel.
* The Office of the Ombudsman filed a P7.4-billion plunder charge against Romualdez, Zaldy Co, and others regarding kickback schemes in flood control projects.
* Ombudsman prosecutors requested an additional day to prepare for cross-examination of doctors Dr. Rody Sy and Dr. Lourdes Ignacio.
* Court proceedings involved testimony from Dr. Kurt Allen Sibayan and Dr. Rosalio Torres regarding Romualdez's case not being an emergency, despite high health risks.
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The text appears to be a factual report on procedural developments within a specific legal case, characterized by specific citations and sequential event reporting indicative of traditional journalism.