MANILA — Former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has been cleared by congressional leaders to fly to Singapore for heart treatment — even as the country’s top anti-graft office attempts to block his departure.

The House of Representatives granted Romualdez travel clearance for April 20 to May 4, 2026, allowing him to undergo a long-delayed follow-up procedure related to his angioplasty.

“As requested, travel clearance is hereby granted to the Honorable Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Representative, 1st District, Leyte, in connection with his personal trip to Singapore from 20 April to 04 May 2026,” House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil said.

“This clearance is issued predicated upon the Honorable Representative’s commitment to return to the Philippines forthwith following his medical procedure. It is understood that the Representative shall maintain accessibility for any urgent official functions or legal proceedings during his absence,” she added.

Romualdez made the request directly to House Speaker Faustino Dy III, writing: “Dear Speaker Dy, I respectfully write to request for a travel clearance to Singapore on April 20–May 4, 2026 to do a long overdue follow-up on my angioplasty surgery.”

“I have also written the Department of Justice (DOJ) of my intention to travel, in view of an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) issued last October 8, 2025,” he added.

Remulla Moves to Block Travel, Romualdez’s Camp Pushes Back

The approval comes despite opposition from Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, who said his office “did not respond favorably” to the request.

He cited an ongoing investigation and concerns that Romualdez might not return to the Philippines.

Remulla also revealed that steps are underway to freeze the lawmaker’s assets over a money laundering complaint endorsed to the Anti-Money Laundering Council. “We’re waiting for the AMLC to file a freeze order on Martin Romualdez,” the ombudsman said, adding the move could come “very soon.”

Remulla has also asked the Sandiganbayan to issue a precautionary hold departure order.

However, Romualdez’s lawyer, Ade Fajardo, said the congressman is not barred from leaving the country. “Any statement suggesting that a freeze order is imminent remains speculative,” Fajardo said.

“I Will Not Be the Fall Guy”

Romualdez, however, is no longer staying quiet. “I will not allow myself to be turned into the scapegoat so that others who are actually accountable can walk away clean,” he said.

“If this is a political play to push me out and close the story, tarnishing my name and my reputation, then I am telling everyone now: I will not go quietly, and I will not go alone. I will not be the fall guy for other people’s corruption.”

He also challenged investigators to go further. “If your office truly believes in justice, then follow the sworn statements, follow the records, and follow the evidence all the way,” he said. “Do not stop where it is politically convenient. Do not settle for the easiest headline. Do not confuse public pressure with prosecutorial duty.”

Romualdez said he is releasing his affidavit tied to the case to the public. “And because I have nothing to hide, I am today authorizing the immediate public release of the affidavit I submitted, together with all supporting information so that the Filipino people can judge for themselves who has been transparent and who is simply being politically targeted,” he said.

He also dismissed claims that he controlled the national budget during his time as House Speaker. “The national budget is not the act of one person or one chamber. It is a product of a constitutional chain involving the executive, the House, and the Senate,” he said. “Congress does not build flood control projects. Congress does not conduct procurement. Congress does not inspect whether our project was actually completed.”

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