APRIL 21, 2026 — Former Speaker Martin Romualdez has been granted travel clearance by the House of Representatives to fly to Singapore for medical reasons, despite the Ombudsman’s move to block his departure. This decision has stirred debate in Manila, as Romualdez faces scrutiny over alleged flood control project anomalies but insists he will return immediately after his check-up.

The House leadership, through Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and Secretary General Cheloy Garafil, approved Romualdez’s request to travel from April 20 to May 4, 2026 for a follow-up on his angioplasty surgery. The clearance emphasized his commitment to return and remain accessible for urgent legislative or legal matters. 

Romualdez himself assured in his letter: “I respectfully write to request for a travel clearance … I give my unequivocal assurance that I will return to the Philippines immediately upon completion of my medical engagement.”

But while the House granted permission, the Office of the Ombudsman asked the Sandiganbayan to issue a preliminary hold departure order against Romualdez, citing ongoing investigations into irregular flood control projects. Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano explained that the move was necessary to prevent possible flight risk while cases remain pending.

Romualdez’s counsel, lawyer Ade Fajardo, countered: “What exists, if any, is an immigration lookout bulletin order, which does not prohibit travel but simply requires prior coordination with authorities. In fact, Rep. Romualdez sought travel authority in all good faith — and this authority has been granted.”

This tug-of-war between the House and the Ombudsman raises uncomfortable questions about accountability and privilege. We know too well the hassle of dealing with immigration restrictions, yet here we see a powerful lawmaker navigating clearance despite being linked — though not yet charged — to multimillion-peso anomalies.

The optics matter: granting clearance while the Ombudsman seeks to block it sends mixed signals about how institutions handle alleged corruption. Is this a case of due process being respected, or of political influence overriding accountability?

For the public, the issue isn’t just Romualdez’s health — it’s about whether leaders under investigation should enjoy the same freedom of movement as any citizen, or whether stricter safeguards should apply. In a country where trust in institutions is fragile, every decision like this chips away or builds up confidence.

If lawmakers facing serious allegations can freely leave the country, how can we trust that accountability will ever catch up with those in power?

(Image: House of Representatives of the Philippines | Facebook)