By Robina Asido

The Philippine National Police (PNP) criminal investigation group will ask the anti-graft court through the Office of the Ombudsman to transfer former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame from Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Tuesday.

“We will file a motion for custody of Martin Romualdez to bring him to Camp Crame Hospital. That motion will be filed later or tomorrow to make it clear that we do not agree to (him being at) Cardinal Santos. We can handle that at Crame,” Remulla said.

“It’s up to the discretion of the courts whether he will be allowed to be transferred,” he added.

The Sandiganbayan's Third Division on Monday ordered Romualdez, former Ako Bikol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co and two others arrested over alleged plunder in the P7.4 billion flood control scandal. Plunder is non-bailable. The arrest warrants were released Monday afternoon.

Co, who released videos claiming Romualdez received kickbacks from flood control projects, is said to be in France.

Remulla stressed that the PNP General Hospital is capable to attend to Romualdez’s medical condition, while arrangements may be made for his attending physicians to continue providing necessary care, subject to the approval of the court.

Remulla noted that the legal counsel of Romualdez asked the Sandiganbayan to allow him to remain confined at the private hospital until he is medically cleared for transfer.

Romualdez was confined at Cardinal Santos Medical Center when the warrant of arrest for his plunder case was served on Monday. Remulla revealed that Romualdez had a heart problem last July.

Remulla said the PNP medical personnel have coordinated with Romualdez attending physicians and were informed that his current cardiovascular condition makes him medically unstable to appear before the court or be transferred to a regular detention facility.

Pending further medical assessment and court action, Remulla assured that Romualdez while confined in hospital will remain under government custody.

Following the arrest of Romualdez, Remulla noted that authorities are intensifying efforts to locate and apprehend his co-accused, including Co.

He mentioned that the government is preparing another request for an Interpol Red Notice against Co, Romualdez’s personal assistant Joselyn Tragua Sereño, and Samchan Foreign Exchange Corporation president Felicito Cristobal Guevarra.

Remulla announced that he and his brother Ombudsman Jesus Crispin +Remulla are going to France as part of the government's efforts to arrest Co.

“I will work with the Interpol, he will work with the diplomatic efforts to get Zaldy Co.” he said. PHS