Camille Naredo

Former Speaker Martin Romualdez delivers his speech as he steps down from his post as Speaker of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File

Speaker Martin Romualdez delivers his speech as he steps down from his post as Speaker of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Members of the 20th Congress of the Lower House are currently casting their votes for the next Speaker of the House, with Isabela 6th District Rep. Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III poised to take over the chamber’s leadership. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

20th CONGRESS- House of Representatives

Chalssea Kate Echegoyen

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178495652779820250917-house-romualdez-resignation-MT2.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Former Speaker Martin Romualdez delivers his speech as he steps down from his post as Speaker of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File"/>Former Speaker Martin Romualdez delivers his speech as he steps down from his post as Speaker of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News</div>MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Saturday defended its earlier statement regarding the alleged travel plans of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, rejecting accusations that it released false or misleading information.BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado issued the statement after Romualdez’s legal counsel, Solis Medina Fajardo &amp; Malilong Law Offices, demanded that the Bureau retract its previous response to media inquiries and issue an apology over what the camp called false information. The controversy stemmed from the BI’s earlier statement that it had received reports regarding Romualdez’s supposed travel plans in April 2026, which the agency said did not materialize. Romualdez’s camp denied that he attempted to leave the country to evade legal proceedings, calling the allegation “fake news” and demanding that the BI correct its statement. The issue unfolded amid scrutiny surrounding Romualdez after the Office of the Ombudsman moved to conduct a preliminary investigation into complaints involving him and former lawmaker Zaldy Co over allegations of plunder, bribery, graft, and money laundering. The Office of the Ombudsman on Monday first said it received information that Romualdez tried to leave the country despite a Precautionary Hold Departure Order against him. <div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/24/romualdez-camp-demands-bi-to-apologize-retract-fake-news-on-alleged-bid-to-flee-country-2345">Romualdez camp demands BI to apologize, retract ‘fake news’ on alleged bid to flee country</a></div>Viado said the BI’s role is to respond to legitimate media inquiries on matters of public interest by providing information that is factual, fair, and within the scope of the agency’s mandate.&quot;The response previously issued by the BI regarding alleged travel plans that did not materialize pertains to a supposed trip in April 2026,&quot; Viado said.“The Bureau&#x27;s response referred to information available to the Bureau at the time and was issued solely in response to legitimate media inquiries. The Bureau did not initiate the public discussion on the matter,” Viado added. Viado also noted that the concerned party is aware of the applicable immigration records and travel restrictions relevant to the matter.“The Bureau respectfully rejects the allegation that it disseminated false or fabricated information. We remain committed to providing honest, accurate, and responsible public information while respecting due process and the constitutional rights of all persons,&quot; Viado said.The BI maintained that its statement was based on information available to the agency.&quot;The Bureau of Immigration will continue to perform its mandate professionally, impartially, and in accordance with the law. Our actions and public statements will always be anchored on verified facts, good governance, and the rule of law,&quot; he added.The agency said it will continue carrying out its mandate while observing due process and protecting the rights of individuals involved.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/24/ombudsman-seeks-preliminary-probe-vs-romualdez-co-for-plunder-money-laundering-1240">Ombudsman panel seeks preliminary probe vs Romualdez, Co for plunder, bribery, money laundering</a></div>

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Saturday defended its earlier statement regarding the alleged travel plans of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, rejecting accusations that it released false or misleading information.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Saturday defended its earlier statement regarding the alleged travel plans of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, rejecting accusations that it released false or misleading information.

BI stands by statement on Romualdez travel issue, rejects claims of false information

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BI stands by statement on Romualdez travel issue, rejects claims of false information

Chalssea Kate Echegoyen,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 25, 2026 01:18 PM PHT

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