Moving former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to another medical facility is currently considered high risk because of his condition, according to his cardiologist, Dr. Rody Sy.
During a hearing before the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Romualdez’s request to remain confined at Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Sy said the former speaker’s blood pressure reached 170/110 on Sept. 10.
The elevated reading prompted doctors to advance his medication, while his psychiatrist also increased his sleep medication.
Sy said Romualdez has a coronary condition and would need access to angiographic facilities within an hour in the event of an acute episode or heart attack.
The cardiologist estimated a 10% to 20% possibility of an untoward incident during a transfer because of excessive stress, even if medical experts accompany him and the ambulance is fully equipped.
Sy recommended waiting four to six weeks before transferring Romualdez to allow for an independent medical evaluation. He said an immediate transfer could potentially be considered “professional recklessness.”
However, Sy clarified that he had no objection to transferring Romualdez to a hospital with complete facilities at the proper time. He also said Romualdez could attend a short court proceeding if his blood pressure is normal.
Meanwhile, admitting doctor Dr. Kurt Allen Sibayan described as “unusual” the request by Romualdez’s camp for a clinical abstract just hours after his admission. He said such documents are typically prepared when a patient is about to be discharged.
Dr. Rosalio Torres, Romualdez’s lead physician, said no surgery or invasive medical procedure has been scheduled, although he disagreed with the claim that there is no serious threat to Romualdez’s health.
Sandiganbayan Third Division Chairperson Associate Justice Karl Miranda also disclosed that Sy has been his cardiologist for more than two decades, but assured the court that the relationship would not affect his judgment.
