Philippines – Former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Gomez Romualdez is now under the care of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) after the Philippine National Police (PNP) formally handed over his custody on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
According to a statement from the PNP Public Information Office (PNP-PIO), the transfer followed an Order of Commitment issued by the Sandiganbayan Third Division. The turnover took place at around 3:50 PM at a medical facility in San Juan, where Romualdez remains confined.
What Happened During the Turnover
BJMP personnel took over responsibility for Romualdez’s custody and security once the court order was verified and the required procedures were finished. The PNP said the process was carried out step by step, without incident.
Key points from the handover:
- The transfer complied with the Sandiganbayan Third Division’s commitment order.
- Custody moved from the PNP to the BJMP at 3:50 PM.
- Romualdez stayed at the San Juan medical facility where he is currently receiving treatment.
- Custodial procedures were completed before the BJMP assumed control.
The Plunder Case Explained
Romualdez is facing a plunder case before the Sandiganbayan over alleged kickbacks tied to government flood control projects. The case is still moving through the courts, and officials stressed that due process and the presumption of innocence remain fully in place.
For many Filipinos overseas following the story from afar, this is a reminder that court proceedings continue while the accused is treated according to the law.
PNP: ‘We Simply Did What the Court Ordered’
Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the police force acted strictly within its mandate.
“We simply did what the court ordered, and we did it properly,” Nartatez said. “The PNP’s responsibility is to make sure that every legal process entrusted to us is carried out with professionalism and respect for the rights of the person in our custody. Trabaho lang, ayon sa batas at sa utos ng korte.”
He added that the PNP will keep working closely with other government agencies to carry out court orders fairly.
Moving Forward
The turnover reflects the PNP’s Focused Agenda and Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which push for coordinated and disciplined action that supports the rule of law.
The PNP said it remains committed to serving with fairness and respect for due process, guided by its call for a “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”