Ex-House Speaker Romualdez attempting to leave PH despite hold departure order; Ombudsman seeks tighter border control

The Office of the Ombudsman has received credible intelligence reports that former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has been attempting to leave the country, despite a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) issued by the Sandiganbayan. Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano urged border security and law enforcement agencies to tighten controls and closely monitor boundaries, particularly informal channels that Romualdez might use to flee the Philippines. "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. The office calls on all relevant agencies to make sure that this does not happen," Clavano stated. Atty. Elaine Atienza, spokesperson for Romualdez, vehemently denied these allegations, saying, "We deny in the strongest possible way any insinuation that Rep. Romualdez has attempted to evade the legal process. We repeat: there has never been a time that Rep. Romualdez was hiding. He is and will remain in the country until such time that he will be able to clear his name." In April, the anti-graft court issued a PHDO against Romualdez, who is being investigated over complaints of alleged plunder, direct bribery, violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, indirect bribery, and money laundering. Clavano noted that Romualdez was well aware he could not leave through formal exit points, such as airports and seaports, and it was more likely he would attempt to use informal channels. "Watch out, because more likely than not, he will exit via informal channels rather than our formal borders. He already has a PHDO, which means he can no longer leave using our normal or formal borders—airports and seaports," Clavano said. "If that is the intention of a person who is already under a precautionary hold departure order, our presumption is that he will really not pass through formal borders, because he already knows that he is barred from leaving," he added. In other developments on Monday, the Office of the Ombudsman announced it is set to file two separate complaints for preliminary investigations against Romualdez for plunder and violation of the Anti-Money Laundering Act complaints. Clavano explained that if Romualdez flees the country while the complaints undergo preliminary investigations and fails to submit a counter-affidavit, he waives his right to a defense, and the case will be resolved based on the allegations alone. The two separate complaints to be filed for preliminary inquiry were the result of the Office of the Ombudsman’s fact-finding initiative into the alleged involvement of Romualdez in the flood control controversy. Responding to this, Atienza said, "The announcement pertains only to the commencement of a preliminary investigation... Rep. Romualdez has not yet been formally served with a copy of the complaint. Once we receive it, we will answer it in full." This development highlights ongoing challenges in combating corruption and enforcing laws in the Philippines. Romualdez is an influential figure in Philippine politics, and his actions draw significant attention both domestically and internationally. The political stability within the Philippines, particularly amidst increasing maritime assertiveness in the South China Sea, can influence the nation's foreign policy and regional security stance. Furthermore, the issue of Filipinos seeking opportunities abroad is a significant concern, and the conduct of political figures profoundly impacts public trust. Information Source: GMA News Philippines