Services in Romualdez’s office continue despite suspension — ally

MANILA — The services offered by Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez’s office continue despite a 90-day preventive suspension on the former House speaker, who is facing a graft case at the Sandiganbayan, his ally Tingog Party-List Rep. Jude Acidre said.

He also said the former House speaker is “resolute” in cooperating with authorities and is optimistic he will be cleared.

“I think, on the political side, on the services side, we have been consistently delivering as much as we are able to our constitutents,” Acidre, who represents a regional political organization based in Leyte, said.

He said he visited Romualdez in his detention facility last weekend, adding “there has been no talk about politics” when they meet.

“The former speaker is more concerned in making sure that his services continue,” he added.

Acidre said he does not believe Romualdez is getting special treatment at the Quezon City Jail, where he has a personal assistant on call.

Jail Supt. Maria Lourdes Pacion, who approved the request, said the assistant is only allowed to enter the Payatas facility during visiting hours, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Sometimes he would need help on this and that. I don’t think it’s a special case,” Acidre said.

Romualdez is on medical detention and has separate quarters from other Persons Deprived of Liberty, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said last week.