By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang on Wednesday rejected claims that former House Speaker Martin Romualdez is receiving special treatment at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas, describing him as a “big fish” being closely monitored in the investigation into the flood control controversy.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer and Undersecretary Claire Castro expressed dismay over the spread of misinformation about Romualdez’s detention, saying such claims could undermine government agencies performing their duties.
Usec. Castro told the media, “Sa mga maaaring nagpapakalat ng maling impormasyon, ano po ba ang inyong nais? Anong motibo? Ang motibo dito ay sirain ang gobyerno, sirain ang mga ahensiyang tumutupad sa kanilang tungkulin.”
She warned, “So, huwag po nating palabasin na ganoon dahil alam po natin na si Speaker Romualdez ay isa sa malaking sinasabing big fish na tinututukan para malaman natin ang katotohanan.”
Usec. Castro issued the statement following allegations circulating on social media that the power supply at the New Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory has been cut to disable closed- circuit television (CCTV) cameras, supposedly allowing Romualdez to leave the facility undetected in an ambulance.
She said the detention facility’s CCTV system is connected to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), enabling authorities to monitor movements inside the jail.
According to her, the BJMP’s initial review of CCTV footage showed no power interruption at the facility over the past month.
She added that the last recorded movement involving Romualdez was his departure from the facility to attend a court hearing on Oct. 12.
Usec. Castro said, citing a BJMP statement, “Initial CCTV verification by BJMP national headquarters showed no recorded power or CCTV interruption at the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory and no recorded movement of Rep. Martin Romualdez outside the facility during the period examined.”
She added that the BJMP is taking the allegations seriously and launched an investigation on Nov. 3.
Usec. Castro also said that the BJMP has reiterated that all persons deprived of liberty are subject to the same custodial rules and that any movement outside the detention facility requires a proper court order.
The Malacañang official added, “We welcome relevant information from the public and then cooperate with any investigation by other government agencies. The BJMP assures the public of its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and equal treatment of all PDLs without distinction or privilege.”
Usec. Castro also challenged those alleging preferential treatment to visit the BJMP and examine the CCTV footage to verify their claims.
