Martin Romualdez demands BI apology; Viado stands by claim on alleged travel plans

ADVERTISEMENT Filtered By: Topstories News By LYJAH TIFFANY BONZO, GMA News Published July 25, 2026 3:41pm + Add GMA on Google Make this your preferred source to get more updates from this publisher on Google. Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez/File photo The camp of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Friday demanded that the Bureau of Immigration (BI) retract and apologize for what it described as a "baseless" claim that he had planned to leave the country despite travel restrictions imposed by the Sandiganbayan.Romualdez, the representative of Leyte's 1st District, is under investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman over his alleged involvement in the flood control corruption scandal.

In a letter dated July 24 and addressed to BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, the Solis Medina Fajardo & Malilong Law Offices demanded that the bureau disclose the source of the information, explain why it was made public, identify the officials who authorized its release, and withdraw and apologize for any statement suggesting that the former House Speaker intended to flee the country.The law firm said its protest stemmed from a July 21 statement by BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval, who said the bureau had "received information that there were [travel] plans that did not push through." Other Stories Ombudsman files supplemental complaint for preliminary probe vs.

Romualdez, Co, others Martin Romualdez not trying to leave PH — counsel Romualdez ready to face Ombudsman, lawyer says A day earlier, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano called on border security and law enforcement agencies to tighten controls and closely monitor the country's borders after the Office of the Ombudsman received information that Romualdez had been attempting to leave the Philippines."At no time has Rep. Romualdez taken any action to evade any lawful court order or judicial process, or to place himself beyond the reach of Philippine authorities," the law firm said."

Absent such evidence, the statements attributed to the Bureau are wholly baseless, irresponsible, and gravely prejudicial to our client. An immediate retraction and a public apology are, therefore, warranted."BI denies spreading false informationOn Saturday, the BI stood by Sandoval's remarks."

The response previously issued by the BI regarding alleged travel plans that did not materialize pertains to a supposed trip in April 2026," Viado said in a statement."The Bureau's response referred to information available to the Bureau at the time and was issued solely in response to legitimate media inquiries. The Bureau did not initiate the public discussion on the matter."

Viado added that Romualdez "is aware of the applicable immigration records and travel restrictions relevant to the matter."Romualdez's lawyers argued that travel restrictions "are not proper subjects of public comment, discussion, or speculation, much less the dissemination of unverified, false, or fabricated information."They warned that Romualdez would pursue legal remedies if the BI failed to take "corrective action.""

The Bureau respectfully rejects the allegation that it disseminated false or fabricated information. We remain committed to providing honest, accurate, and responsible public information while respecting due process and the constitutional rights of all persons," Viado said.He added that the bureau "will continue to perform its mandate professionally, impartially, and in accordance with the law.""

Our actions and public statements will always be anchored on verified facts, good governance, and the rule of law," he said. —VBL, GMA News Tags: Martin Romualdez, bureau of immigration, Joel Anthony Viado, flood control projects More Videos Most Popular LOADING CONTENT LOAD MORE ARTICLES RETRY LOADING