The Sandiganbayan is now weighing whether former House Speaker Martin Romualdez should be stopped from leaving the country, a decision that could restrict his travel as the Office of the Ombudsman moves toward possible formal charges in a corruption case under investigation. If granted, the order will allow the Bureau of Immigration to prevent him from departing while proceedings continue.
During a hearing on Wednesday, Associate Justice Lorifel Pahimna of the anti graft court’s Seventh Division said the Ombudsman’s application for a precautionary hold departure order has been submitted for resolution.
A precautionary hold departure order is issued when a person is suspected of a crime punishable by at least six years and one day and when there is a high likelihood of flight. It is summary in nature and does not require a full trial. The court’s action will not determine guilt.
The Office of the Ombudsman, through a special panel led by Deputy Special Prosecutor Omar Sagadal, filed an 11-page petition dated April 20. Prosecutors said Romualdez “presents an exceptionally high probability of flight.”
During the hearing, Assistant Ombudsman Nellie Golez said the request was based on a preliminary finding of probable cause. The prosecution cited Romualdez’s access to a diplomatic passport and the ability to travel quickly as factors supporting the request.
The petition is tied to a complaint affidavit filed on April 20 before the Ombudsman’s Preliminary Investigation, Administrative Adjudication and Monitoring Office. The Ombudsman said it made a preliminary finding of probable cause to pursue charges of plunder, direct and indirect bribery, and money laundering.
According to the petition, the case involves an alleged kickback scheme linked to flood control projects, “purportedly masterminded by the respondent,” with total amounts reaching about ₱56 billion.Ombudsman Boying Remulla said the agency may file a plunder case before the Sandiganbayan in May as proceedings continue. He also said, “Hindi kami pumapayag. Sinasabi ko [siya ay] under investigation.”
