Romualdez diagnosed with depressive disorder, doctor tells Sandiganbayan

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Former Speaker and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez has been diagnosed with depressive disorder with anxiety, his psychiatrist Dr. Lourdes Ignacio said Friday.

Ignacio made the testimony during Day 2 of the Sandiganbayan hearing on Romualdez's motion for hospital detention amid a P7.4-billion plunder case leveled against the lawmaker and three others over their alleged links to the flood control mess.

Ignacio also confirmed before the Sandiganbayan that she has prescribed oral medications and regular mindful sessions.

Asked if regular mindful sessions can be done in other health facility, Ignacio replied "generally."

Ignacio also said that depression is related to other existing heart and brain - related ailments of Romualdez, who is currently confined in Cardinal Santos Medical Center.

"When you prescribe anti-depressants, it [anti-depressant] does have an effect on the brain and blood vessels," Ignacio said.

Romualdez underwent angioplasty in October 2024.

The Sandiganbayan Third Division ultimately ordered the transfer of Romualdez from Cardinal Santos to state-run Philippine General Hospital (PGH) for independent examination and confinement. — RSJ, GMA News