The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday released new Martin Romualdez mugshots of former House Speaker and current Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez.
The photos were taken after his transfer to the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas on Monday evening, September 14, following a directive from the Sandiganbayan Third Division.
According to Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) spokesperson Jayrex Bustinera, Romualdez is currently staying in the facility’s infirmary ward along with three other persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
The decision regarding his cell assignment was based on assessments by his personal doctor and independent doctors from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).
The BJMP spokesperson stated that Romualdez no longer needs to remain in a hospital, as the BJMP can provide the necessary medical attention during his detention.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla added that the former Speaker’s cell has no air conditioning and he uses a public restroom shared with other inmates.
Romualdez is scheduled to face his arraignment and pre-trial proceedings at the Sandiganbayan this Wednesday, September 16.
The lawmaker faces a plunder case in the anti-graft court over alleged kickbacks amounting to more than P7 billion from various government projects.