BJMP allows Romualdez’s staff to attend to his needs, court told

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) allowed former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez’s staff to attend to his needs inside his cell, its personnel told the Sandiganbayan Third Division.

The Third Division is handling the plunder case against Romualdez stemming from alleged kickbacks from infrastructure projects worth P7.44 billion.

During the court hearing, Jail Superintendent Maria Lourdes Pacion confirmed that Romualdez’s staff was allowed inside his cell.

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Associate Justice Karl Miranda, Third Division chair, asked if this was allowed under BJMP rules.

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“We allow that if the patient is not in good condition,” Pacion told the court. “It’s a case-to-case basis and the prerogative of the warden to assess what is needed for a certain PDL (person deprived of liberty).”

READ: Sandiganbayan summons BJMP execs over claims Romualdez left jail

Miranda asked if other PDLs had been given the same consideration.

In response, Pacion said there had been instances when it was allowed, but no other PDLs had been permitted to have their personal staff inside their cells aside from Romualdez.

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“Not anymore, your honor,” Pacion said in response to Miranda. “Previously, [it was allowed] because there was a patient who needed bedside care.”

“All PDLs are equal,” Miranda said. “Let me stress that.” /mcm