Romualdez demands BI apology; travel plan claims spark clash

The camp of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has demanded a retraction and apology from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) over what they described as "baseless" claims regarding his alleged travel plans. Romualdez, the representative of Leyte's 1st District, is currently under investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman for alleged involvement in a flood control corruption scandal. The law offices representing Romualdez sent a letter to BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado on July 24, demanding the bureau disclose the source of its information, explain its public release, identify authorizing officials, and retract and apologize for any statement suggesting the former Speaker intended to flee the country. This protest stems from a July 21 statement by BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval, who said the bureau had "received information that there were [travel] plans that did not push through." The previous day, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano had urged border security and law enforcement agencies to tighten controls after the Ombudsman's office received information that Romualdez had been attempting to leave the Philippines. Romualdez's lawyers asserted that their client "has at no time taken any action to evade any lawful court order or judicial process, or to place himself beyond the reach of Philippine authorities." They argued that the BI's statements were "wholly baseless, irresponsible, and gravely prejudicial to our client," warranting an immediate retraction and public apology. However, BI Commissioner Viado, in a statement on Saturday, stood by the bureau's remarks. He clarified that the alleged travel plans pertained to a supposed trip in April 2026. Viado stated that the BI's response was based on information available to the bureau at the time and was issued solely in response to legitimate media inquiries, emphasizing that the bureau did not initiate the public discussion. He added that Romualdez "is aware of the applicable immigration records and travel restrictions relevant to the matter." Romualdez's lawyers contended that travel restrictions are "not proper subjects of public comment, discussion, or speculation, much less the dissemination of unverified, false, or fabricated information." They warned of pursuing legal remedies if corrective action was not taken. Viado respectfully rejected the allegation of disseminating false or fabricated information. He affirmed the BI's commitment to providing "honest, accurate, and responsible public information while respecting due process and the constitutional rights of all persons." He concluded that the bureau "will continue to perform its mandate professionally, impartially, and in accordance with the law," with its actions and statements always anchored on verified facts, good governance, and the rule of law.