Martin Romualdez’s camp insists the former House speaker will not flee the country and remains prepared to answer the allegations against him. The Office of the Ombudsman, however, says it has received “credible intelligence reports” that Romualdez “has not ceased attempting to leave the country” despite a court order restricting his travel.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the reports prompted authorities to strengthen monitoring at airports, seaports, and informal exit points. The Sandiganbayan earlier issued a precautionary hold departure order to keep Romualdez within Philippine jurisdiction while investigators pursue complaints for plunder and violations of the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
Romualdez’s lawyer rejected the flight-risk claim and maintained that his client remains in the Philippines. The Ombudsman previously argued that Romualdez posed an “exceptionally high probability of flight,” citing the gravity of the accusations, the penalties he could face, and his financial and logistical capacity to leave.
The investigation concerns public funds intended for flood control projects that were supposed to protect communities from deadly flooding, damaged homes, lost livelihoods, and destroyed infrastructure. Investigators have linked Romualdez and former lawmaker Zaldy Co to an alleged kickback scheme estimated at around ₱56 billion.
Clavano said statements from eight Marines who reportedly served in Romualdez’s security detail formed part of the evidence gathered by investigators. “We are not done collecting evidence. We are not done filing cases. The investigation reveals more and more each day and each week,” he said.
The conflicting claims now place pressure on authorities to prove that the court’s restriction can be enforced regardless of political influence. Romualdez’s camp says he has no intention of leaving, while the Ombudsman says reports indicate continued efforts to do so. The government must keep him within reach of investigators and ensure that the complaints proceed without delay or interference.
Corruption is and has always been the Philippines’ biggest problem. Romualdez is universally recognized as the most corrupt Filipino politician of the 21st century.
