Why Doctors Want Martin Romualdez to Stay Hospitalized for 4 to 6 More Weeks
MARTIN ROMUALDEZ – Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez may have to remain under medical care for several more weeks before doctors consider transferring him to another hospital.
A cardiologist treating former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has advised waiting four to six weeks before considering his transfer to another medical facility for an independent assessment.
Dr. Rody Sy of Cardinal Santos Medical Center appeared before the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Friday as part of the proceedings involving Romualdez’s request for hospital confinement. According to Sy, transferring the former lawmaker immediately could expose him to unnecessary medical risks.
Sy described an immediate transfer as “professional recklessness,” citing a 10 to 20 percent possibility that an untoward medical incident could happen while Romualdez is being moved to another hospital.
Despite this concern, the cardiologist clarified that he would not oppose transferring Romualdez to a hospital equipped with more comprehensive medical facilities once the timing is considered appropriate.
The recommendation prompted a lighthearted response from Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Ronald Moreno, who remarked, “Four to six weeks? Minumura na po kami ng tao,” in jest.
Associate Justice Karl Miranda also revealed during the hearing that Sy has been his cardiologist for over 20 years. Miranda emphasized his confidence in Sy’s medical judgment while making clear that their long-standing doctor-patient relationship would not affect his responsibilities as a member of the court.
“I trusted him with my life, I will continue to trust him with my life. I know him very well. He’s a true patriot… our relationship as patient and doctor would never allow my judgment and duty as justice,” Miranda said.
During questioning from the prosecution, Sy was asked whether Romualdez could be brought to court or transferred for a brief proceeding if his blood pressure returned to normal. The cardiologist answered yes.
Blood Pressure Spike
Sy previously testified that Romualdez was “cardiovascularly stable” during his examinations on the first two days of confinement. He explained that the assessment was based on acceptable blood pressure readings and normal electrocardiogram results at that time.
However, the doctor said Romualdez later experienced a significant increase in blood pressure, reaching 170/110 at approximately 5 p.m. Thursday. Because of the spike, Sy said he adjusted and advanced Romualdez’s medication. The psychiatrist also reportedly increased his sleep medication the previous day.
The court had earlier directed Romualdez to attend proceedings on Thursday, but his doctors did not issue medical clearance for his appearance.
Meanwhile, Dr. Rosalio Torres, the overall coordinator and hematologist at Cardinal Santos Medical Center, testified that Romualdez currently has no scheduled surgery or invasive medical procedure.
Question Over Clinical Abstract
The prosecution also questioned Dr. Kurt Allen Sibayan, the admitting physician, about Romualdez’s clinical abstract. Sibayan acknowledged that it was unusual for the document to have been issued several hours before Romualdez was admitted on September 7.
He explained that a staff member of the former House Speaker contacted him through another doctor and requested the preparation of the clinical abstract. Sibayan noted that such documents are generally issued when a patient is discharged.
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