Ex-House Speaker Romualdez hospitalized as arrest warrant served

MANILA — Martin Romualdez, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives and current Leyte congressman, is currently admitted to Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed Monday. The hospitalization comes as law enforcement authorities seek to serve an arrest warrant issued by the Sandiganbayan, the special court that handles cases involving public officials.

Remulla disclosed Romualdez's whereabouts to media, indicating that authorities have been working to locate the prominent lawmaker to execute the court order. The Sandiganbayan warrant details remain under review, though such orders from the antigraft tribunal typically involve allegations of graft or corruption-related charges.

Romualdez has been a significant figure in Philippine politics, representing his home province of Leyte in Congress and serving as Speaker during his tenure as a House member. His hospitalization adds another development to the case, as legal proceedings continue against the veteran politician.

Authorities are expected to coordinate with the medical facility regarding the service of the warrant. The case marks another high-profile investigation involving prominent members of the Philippine political establishment.