Jauhn Etienne Villaruel

Article (news)

Jeff Caparas

Daniza Fernandez

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784600333136thumbnail-F7m3y2hyWVI-1280x720 (5).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Rep. Martin Romualdez delivers his speech as he steps down from his post as Speaker of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. <em>Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday said it also received information about plans for former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to leave the country, but the supposed trip did not materialize.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/20/romualdez-tried-to-leave-ph-despite-hold-departure-order-ombudsman-1726">Romualdez trying to leave PH despite hold departure order – Ombudsman</a></div><p>In a text message, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said the BI was informed of travel plans that ultimately did not push through.</p><p>“We received information that there were plans that did not push through,” Sandoval said.</p><p>She added that Romualdez’s camp is aware of the existing derogatory records and the travel restrictions that may apply.</p><p>“The concerned party’s camp is aware of the existing derogatory records and the applicable restrictions. Should there be any actual attempt to depart, the Bureau will enforce the law accordingly,” she said.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>OMBUDSMAN REVELATION </strong></div><div><br/></div><p>The Office of the Ombudsman first revealed on Monday that Romualdez has been trying to leave the Philippines despite a Precautionary Hold Departure Order against him.</p><p>Romualdez is among the subjects of the Ombudsman’s investigation on alleged corruption in flood control projects.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/20/marcos-jr-won-t-interfere-in-potential-cases-vs-romualdez-palace-1816">Marcos Jr. won&#x27;t interfere in potential cases vs. Romualdez — Palace</a></div><p>“Despite a Precautionary Hold Departure Order issued by the Sandiganbayan, this office has received credible intelligence reports that former Speaker, Martin Romualdez, has not ceased attempting to leave the country,” Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said in a briefing.</p><p>The office reminded law enforcement agencies and border control officers to guard the country’s borders and ensure that he will stay within the Philippines.</p><p>Elaine Atienza, Romualdez&#x27;s spokesperson, has denied that the congressman tried to evade, insisting that he is in the country.</p><p>&quot;Kailanman at hindi nagtago si Rep. Romualdez. Hinarap nya ang ICI [Independent Commission for Infrastructure], at haharapin nya ang Office of the Ombudsman. Siya po ay nasa bansa at mananatili sa bansa until such time that he will be able to clear his name,&quot; Atienza said in a statement on Monday.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS</strong></div><div><strong></strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D1yn1XWMyc0?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CTz8aDj5HNQ?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>The Office of the Ombudsman first revealed on Monday that Rep. Martin Romualdez has been trying to leave the Philippines despite a Precautionary Hold Departure Order against him.</p>

The Office of the Ombudsman first revealed on Monday that Rep. Martin Romualdez has been trying to leave the Philippines despite a Precautionary Hold Departure Order against him.

BI says also received reports of alleged Romualdez departure plans

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BI says also received reports of alleged Romualdez departure plans

Jeff Caparas,

Daniza Fernandez,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 21, 2026 10:23 AM PHT

Read More:

martin romualdez

ombudsman

immigration

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