UMVA has learned that a high-profile motion filed by Leyte Representative Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez to lift a travel ban tied to a massive corruption investigation has been denied by the Sandiganbayan.
The anti-graft court's Seventh Division ruled that Romualdez's motion for reconsideration was both procedurally defective and lacked substantive merit, dashing his hopes of traveling to Singapore for a follow-up medical consultation.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Romualdez had claimed that his trip was a "long overdue" necessity, citing a need for a medical check-up after an angioplasty procedure, and asserted his right to travel with an intention to return.
However, the court found that Romualdez failed to provide supporting medical records or prove that local professionals were incapable of treating his condition, undermining his justification for the trip.
The Sandiganbayan expressed concerns about the risk of flight, noting that Romualdez has been identified as the alleged mastermind behind a massive flood control scam, and that he had a clear motive and opportunity to evade authorities.
Given the gravity of the allegations and potential severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and forfeiture of assets, the court ruled that maintaining the travel restriction was necessary to ensure the legal process proceeds without disruption.
The investigation, led by the Office of the Ombudsman, centers on accusations that Romualdez, a former Speaker, influenced the 2025 budget process to facilitate irregular fund collections from flood control infrastructure projects – allegations that Romualdez has consistently denied.
