Romualdez’s condition not an emergency, doctor tells court
A physician testified in court that former House Speaker Martin Romualdez's medical condition does not constitute an emergency. Romualdez, who is facing arrest, remains in a private hospital while his motion for continued confinement is pending.
Why it matters
The case highlights the intersection of legal proceedings and medical claims, raising questions about the potential use of hospitalization to delay judicial processes.
Former Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez's mugshot while in hospital bed (INQUIRER.net / JASON SIGALES) MANILA, Philippines - The medical condition of former House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez is not an emergency case, the admitting physician at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center said on Thursday.
Romualdez was admitted to the said private hospital due to chest pains on Monday, on the same day that the Sandiganbayan's Third Division ordered his arrest.
When admitting physician Dr. Kurt Allen Sibayan took the witness stand on Thursday in tackling Romualdez's motion continued hospitalization, however, he testified that the lawmaker's case is not an emergency.
"If the patient, for example, is complaining of chest pain and goes to the hospital, what would you do?" Third Division Associate Justice Ronald Moreno asked Sibayan.
"If it's an emergency, they have to go to the emergency room," Sibayan said.
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