Palace seeks probe into Romualdez’s 24-hour jail aide amid special treatment concerns

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 07, 2026

Photo courtesy: Multiple Sources

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has called for a deeper investigation into reports that former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has a personal aide staying with him around the clock at the New Quezon City Jail.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said authorities must determine why jail officials allowed the arrangement. She also stressed that preferential treatment should not be tolerated if investigators establish that it occurred.

During a press briefing on Friday, November 6, Castro said the Palace had yet to establish the full circumstances surrounding the arrangement.

The call followed testimony from jail officials before the Sandiganbayan, which is reviewing Romualdez’s detention conditions.

Jail warden confirms personal aide

Jail Superintendent Maria Lourdes Pacion confirmed during a court hearing on Thursday, November 5, that Romualdez has personal staff assisting him inside his cell.

Pacion said she approved the arrangement because she believed the former speaker needed additional assistance with his daily needs.

She also cited concerns about his condition, based on her assessment, and the facility’s limited capacity to provide round-the-clock assistance.

According to Pacion, jail officials may consider such arrangements on a case-by-case basis.

However, Castro said authorities should examine whether the assistance was justified and whether it violated rules against special treatment.

The Palace maintained that detention privileges should not depend on a person’s political position or connections.

Sandiganbayan orders CCTV review

Meanwhile, the Sandiganbayan’s Third Division has ordered jail authorities to review surveillance footage and submit a detailed report on Romualdez’s whereabouts.

The order, issued on November 5, covers the period from September 14, when Romualdez entered the facility, through November 4.

The court directed the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to examine CCTV recordings and account for Romualdez’s movements during his detention.

It also requested records of surveillance system operations, power interruptions and vehicle movements.

In addition, jail authorities must submit information about personnel assigned to the facility, individuals allowed to assist Romualdez and his latest medical report.

The court scheduled another hearing for November 9, when jail officials and technical personnel are expected to provide further information.

BJMP denies unauthorized jail departures

The court’s order followed allegations that Romualdez had been leaving the detention facility without authorization.

However, columnist Ramon Tulfo, who made the allegations, later retracted his account. He said his source had provided incorrect information.

The BJMP also denied that Romualdez had been allowed to leave the facility without permission.

According to the bureau, its initial CCTV review found no recorded power interruptions or unauthorized movements outside the jail during the period examined.

Pacion likewise maintained that Romualdez had remained inside the detention premises.

Despite those findings, the Sandiganbayan ordered a more detailed review of the available records.

Ombudsman warns against special treatment

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla also expressed concern over the reported arrangement.

He said his office would conduct surprise inspections at the New Quezon City Jail to check compliance with detention rules.

Remulla warned that officials found responsible for unauthorized privileges could face administrative penalties, including dismissal.

He also raised concerns about the security implications of allowing a personal aide to stay inside a detention facility.

Romualdez remains in custody while facing a P7.4-billion plunder case linked to alleged irregularities involving flood control projects.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Sandiganbayan is expected to continue examining his detention conditions at the November 9 hearing.