Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has demanded that the Bureau of Immigration retract and apologize for what his lawyers described as a “baseless” claim that he planned to leave the country despite travel restrictions imposed by the Sandiganbayan.
In a July 24 letter to Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, Romualdez’s legal counsel asked the bureau to disclose the source of the information, explain why it was made public, identify the officials who authorized its release, and withdraw statements suggesting that the Leyte congressman intended to flee the country.
The demand stemmed from a July 21 statement by Bureau of Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval, who said the agency had received information that there were travel plans that “did not push through.”
Romualdez is under investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman over his alleged involvement in the flood control corruption scandal.
His lawyers said there was no evidence that he had attempted to evade any court order or place himself beyond the reach of Philippine authorities.
“Absent such evidence, the statements attributed to the Bureau are wholly baseless, irresponsible, and gravely prejudicial to our client,” the law firm said, adding that a public retraction and apology were warranted.
The lawyers also argued that immigration records and travel restrictions should not be the subject of public speculation or the dissemination of unverified information. They warned that Romualdez would pursue legal remedies if the bureau failed to take corrective action.
In a statement on Saturday, Viado rejected the allegation that the bureau had spread false information.
He said the earlier statement referred to information available to the Bureau of Immigration regarding an alleged travel plan in April 2026 and was issued solely in response to legitimate media inquiries.
“The Bureau did not initiate the public discussion on the matter,” Viado said.
He added that Romualdez is aware of the immigration records and travel restrictions relevant to his case.
Viado maintained that the Bureau of Immigration remains committed to providing “honest, accurate, and responsible public information” while respecting due process and the constitutional rights of all persons.
He said the bureau would continue to perform its mandate professionally, impartially and in accordance with the law, adding that its public statements would remain anchored on verified facts, good governance and the rule of law.
