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MANILA, Philippines – The presence of a Romualdez personal aide in jail has placed the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) under scrutiny, as government officials investigate why a private staff member was allowed to stay inside the detention cell of former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. The arrangement has raised questions about jail regulations, official authorization and whether detainees are receiving equal treatment.

The controversy emerged during a November 5 hearing before the Sandiganbayan Third Division, where New Quezon City Jail warden Superintendent Maria Lourdes Pacion confirmed that a personal staff member had been staying with Romualdez inside his cell around the clock.

Pacion told the court that she personally authorized the arrangement, citing humanitarian considerations and Romualdez’s need for assistance with his daily activities.

She explained that, based on her assessment, his mental condition was not yet stable and the detention facility lacked sufficient personnel to provide someone who could attend to his needs 24 hours a day.

The warden maintained that the arrangement was intended to address his personal needs while in detention.

DILG demands explanation from BJMP

The disclosure prompted Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla to order the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to submit a comprehensive report within 48 hours.

In his November 6 directive, Remulla instructed BJMP officials to explain the legal and administrative basis for allowing the aide inside the detention cell.

The report must also identify the officials involved in approving the arrangement, explain the circumstances surrounding the decision, and provide supporting documents showing whether applicable laws and regulations were followed.

Remulla stressed that no detainee should receive special treatment and ordered the preservation of relevant records.

He warned that incomplete findings or unsupported explanations would not be accepted.

Ombudsman questions special treatment

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla also criticized the arrangement, questioning why a detained individual should be allowed to have a personal assistant from outside the facility.

Speaking on his DZRH radio program on November 7, the Ombudsman said he would investigate the matter.

The BJMP responded that it was already conducting an investigation into the arrangement authorized by one of its jail wardens.

The bureau said it would not tolerate unauthorized privileges or preferential treatment among persons deprived of liberty. It added that appropriate action would be taken against personnel if violations were established.

Sandiganbayan orders separate investigation

The controversy comes as the anti-graft court is also examining allegations concerning Romualdez’s movements while detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas.

The allegations that he had been leaving the facility without authorization were raised publicly by columnist Ramon Tulfo, who later retracted his claims, saying he had received incorrect information.

The Sandiganbayan subsequently ordered jail authorities to examine CCTV footage covering September 14 to November 4 and submit a notarized report detailing Romualdez’s whereabouts.

The court also requested surveillance records, vehicle movement logs, ambulance utilization records, personnel rosters, and information about individuals authorized to assist him.

Jail officials, including Pacion and medical officer Dr. Henry Fabro, were ordered to appear before the court on November 9.

Romualdez has been detained since September in connection with a P7.4-billion plunder case linked to the alleged flood control corruption scandal. The allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings.

Questions remain over jail privileges

The investigations raise a broader question about how detention facilities determine what assistance may be granted to individual detainees.

While medical and humanitarian considerations may justify special arrangements in certain circumstances, authorities must establish that these decisions have a valid legal basis and comply with applicable custodial regulations.

The BJMP’s explanation and the Sandiganbayan’s continuing inquiry are expected to clarify whether the arrangement followed established procedures and whether any personnel should be held accountable.

For now, the presence of Romualdez’s personal aide inside his cell remains a matter under investigation, with authorities facing growing pressure to demonstrate that detention rules apply equally to everyone.