Aide on call for Romualdez
Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has an aide available 24 hours a day to attend to his medical needs, according to testimony provided to the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Monday, Inquirer.net reported.
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Chief Superintendent Maria Lourdes Pacion clarified her previous statements during the hearing, explaining that while the aide, Arvin de Guzman, is “on call” around the clock, he is only physically present inside the detention facility from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This clarification follows earlier confusion regarding the arrangement. “Sorry, your honor, I guess I just panicked. I’m sorry,” Pacion said during the proceedings, explaining that she had failed to elaborate on the “on call” nature of the assistance during her prior testimony.
The arrangement was reportedly approved by Pacion following a request from Romualdez’s legal team. The Filipino Times noted that jail officials cited humanitarian considerations and concerns regarding Romualdez’s mental state as reasons for allowing personal staff to assist him with daily needs.
Ombudsman targets preferential treatment
The revelation of a personal assistant staying within the detention cell has drawn sharp criticism from Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla. Speaking on the radio program “Executive Session” on dzRH over the weekend, Remulla characterized the situation as “mafia-like” treatment, according to Philstar.com.
“What is that, detained rich person with an assistant from the outside? What is that, mafia? Shame on you, BJMP,” Remulla said.
Remulla further stated that the Office of the Ombudsman has identified a specific group behind such arrangements, though he declined to name the individuals at this time. He vowed to pursue the officials responsible for granting these “unwarranted perks.”
In response to the outcry, the BJMP issued a statement via SunStar asserting that it will not tolerate unauthorized privileges or preferential treatment for any person deprived of liberty. The bureau confirmed it is preparing a comprehensive report for the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) regarding the matter.
While Pacion previously stated that allowing personal staff can be permitted on a case-by-case basis for patients in poor condition, Remulla plans to conduct a “surprise” inspection of the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas, where other high-profile detainees, including Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta, are held.
Investigation into jail exit allegations
The court’s scrutiny of Romualdez’s detention conditions was initially prompted by reports suggesting the former speaker could leave the facility at will. Columnist Ramon Tulfo had alleged that Romualdez used an ambulance to exit the jail during power outages to avoid CCTV detection, according to The Global Filipino Magazine.
However, Tulfo has since retracted those claims. He admitted to the Inquirer.net that he had been fed incorrect information, stating that “no such thing happened when the facts started coming in yesterday.”
The BJMP has conducted an internal review to address these claims. According to The Global Filipino Magazine, initial CCTV verification by the BJMP National Headquarters showed no recorded movement of Romualdez outside the facility during the period in question, nor were there any recorded power or camera interruptions at the male dormitory.
The Sandiganbayan has ordered the city jail to produce several documents to ensure transparency, including:
- Closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance logs
- Status reports and maintenance records
- Documentation regarding power outages
- Logbooks of visiting cars and ambulance usage
- A list of on-duty medical personnel
Romualdez has been held in the Payatas facility since September 14, 2026, after the Sandiganbayan committed him to detention following a medical clearance from the Philippine General Hospital. He is currently facing a P7.44 billion plunder charge involving alleged kickbacks from government infrastructure projects between 2022 and 2025.
The Sandiganbayan is scheduled to begin the presentation of evidence in the plunder case on November 23, 2026, with sessions held every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
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