BJMP probes alleged ‘irregularities’ in Romualdez’s detention
MANILA, Philippines (Updated 3:55 p.m.) — The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology said that it is investigating the irregularities that allegedly occurred in the detention of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
In a statement on Wednesday, November 4, the BJMP said that Chief Jail Director Efren Nemeño ordered an immediate investigation following reports that Romualdez had been leaving prison.
“The investigation is ongoing. The BJMP reiterates that all PDL are subject to the same custodial rules and that any movement outside the jail requires a proper court order,” the BJMP said.
“We welcome relevant information from the public and will cooperate with any investigation by other government agencies,” it added.
According to initial CCTV verification by the BJMP National Headquarters, the Quezon City Jail–Male Dormitory experienced no power or feed interruptions, and Romualdez was not observed moving outside the facility throughout the examined timeframe.
The statement from the jail bureau came after a Facebook post by journalist Mon Tulfo, which claimed that Romualdez had been leaving prison by ambulance.
Meanwhile, Dennis Pulma, executive clerk of court of the Sandiganbayan Third Division, said the anti-graft court had ordered Jail Superintendent Maria Lourdes Pacion and Medical Officer Henry Fabro, both of the BJMP Quezon City Jail–Male Dormitory in Payatas, Quezon City, to personally appear and testify on November 5 regarding Romualdez's status at the facility.
Romualdez has been detained in Quezon City over a non-bailable P7.44-billion plunder case linked to flood control projects.
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