Romualdez Not Leaving PH, Lawyer Denies Ombudsman's Claim

The lawyer for former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has vehemently denied claims by the Office of the Ombudsman that the former speaker attempted to leave the Philippines, stating the allegations are baseless. Ade Fajardo, Romualdez's legal counsel, asserted that the former House Speaker has remained in the country since the flood control controversy erupted. "We have no idea where Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano got or picked up such details. We reiterate that former Speaker Romualdez has not left and is not leaving the country," Fajardo said in a statement. Clavano had told reporters on Monday that Romualdez had attempted to leave the country despite a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) issued against him by the Sandiganbayan. He urged border security and law enforcement agencies to continue monitoring possible channels that Romualdez could use to leave the country. Fajardo expressed concern that such allegations could create the impression that Romualdez is guilty, suggesting an attempt to escape. "The effect of this is, of course, there will be a perception among our countrymen that Congressman Romualdez looks guilty because of attempting to escape," Fajardo said in Filipino. Romualdez is currently under investigation for alleged plunder, direct and indirect bribery, money laundering, and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act in connection with the flood control controversy, where billions of pesos in public funds were allegedly siphoned off through bogus infrastructure projects. The anti-graft court had issued the PHDO against him. Romualdez's legal team is studying the best way to respond to Clavano's claims.