Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has ordered an investigation into allegations of Romualdez special treatment while former House Speaker Martin Romualdez is being detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas, Quezon City.
Remulla criticized the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) over the alleged granting of special privileges to Romualdez, particularly reports that he was allowed access to a personal assistant from outside the detention facility.
Speaking on his radio program “Executive Session” on DZRH over the weekend, the Ombudsman said the BJMP should be ashamed for allowing such an arrangement, which he described as “mafia-like,” and vowed to hold accountable any officials found responsible.
Remulla also revealed that investigators have already identified the group allegedly behind the arrangement, although he declined to publicly name those involved while the investigation is ongoing.
The Ombudsman further announced plans to conduct a surprise inspection of the city jail, which also houses other high-profile detainees, including Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta.
Meanwhile, the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Monday summoned Quezon City Jail Warden Supt. Maria Lourdes Pacion, Dr. Henry Fabro, and several information technology personnel as part of its inquiry into the allegations of special treatment for Romualdez.
The anti-graft court also ordered jail authorities to submit CCTV surveillance logs, maintenance records, reports on power interruptions, visitor vehicle logs, ambulance usage records, and the roster of medical personnel assigned to the facility.
The investigation was triggered after journalist Ramon Tulfo claimed that Romualdez had allegedly left the jail through a backdoor staircase.
However, Tulfo later retracted his statement, saying that the information relayed to him was inaccurate.
Romualdez is facing a plunder case stemming from allegations that he received ₱7.4 billion in kickbacks from flood control projects.
Despite his detention, he continues to attend scheduled court proceedings through videoconferencing.