The Office of the Ombudsman has denied former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez’s request to travel to Singapore for a medical check-up, citing an ongoing investigation and concerns over possible flight risk.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the office refused the request despite last-minute appeals from Romualdez’s camp, noting that the lawmaker was scheduled to depart on April 21.
“Romualdez was supposed to have a check-up in Singapore… But because we have a bulletin, a lookout order with Immigration about those who are under investigation we did not respond favorably,” Remulla explained.
He added that urgency grew as the departure date neared.
“Actually, they were burning the lines yesterday and up to this morning. I held my ground… Baka hindi na bumalik eh,” he said.
Asset Freeze Move
Remulla disclosed that the Ombudsman has endorsed a money laundering complaint to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and is awaiting a freeze order on Romualdez’s assets.
“We’re waiting for the Romualdez cases to start rolling. And the first case would be about money laundering,” he noted, acknowledging the strength of Romualdez’s defense team.
Romualdez Camp Responds
Atty. Ade Fajardo, spokesperson for Romualdez, rejected claims that the lawmaker was barred from traveling, stressing that an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) does not constitute a travel ban.
“Representative Romualdez sought travel authority in all good faith—and this authority has been granted. This underscores his full compliance with the law and negates any insinuation of flight risk,” Fajardo said.
He also dismissed reports of an impending freeze order as premature, noting that such action requires formal proceedings before the Court of Appeals.
“Any statement suggesting that a freeze order is imminent remains speculative,” he added.
Fajardo emphasized that Romualdez currently faces no pending criminal or administrative cases and urged the public to respect his right to the presumption of innocence.