THE Office of the Ombudsman has rejected the travel request filed by 1st District Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez to visit Singapore for a medical checkup. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla stated that they refused to lift the existing hold departure order or lookout bulletin against Romualdez, citing the ongoing and active investigation into his case.
Remulla emphasized that allowing the lawmaker to leave the country posed a significant risk of him not returning.
“We did not allow him to leave. We did not agree to lift his bulletin because he is under a lookout order as we are actively investigating. He might not come back, and we don’t want that to happen,” Remulla said in a statement.
The Ombudsman also raised concerns about the timing of the request. Although Romualdez only asked for a five-day travel period, Remulla noted that it seemed highly coincidental that he wanted to leave the country right after former lawmaker Zaldy Co was arrested in Europe. “We are just being cautious,” Remulla added, underscoring the need for vigilance in ensuring compliance with legal processes.
Romualdez had sought permission to travel from April 20 to May 4, 2026, for a follow-up check-up related to his angioplasty surgery. He had given assurance that he would return immediately after his medical appointment and remain available for legislative duties.
However, the Ombudsman maintained that the priority is to ensure the integrity of the investigation and prevent any possibility of flight.
In addition to denying the travel request, Remulla revealed that the Ombudsman has already endorsed a complaint to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) as part of efforts to secure an asset freeze order against Romualdez. The first case to be filed against him is expected to involve money laundering in connection with the alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
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