BI denies spreading false info on Romualdez’s alleged bid to leave PH

Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez appears at the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on October 14, 2025, to attend hearings on alleged flood control project anomalies. INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Saturday stood by its statements regarding former House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s alleged travel plans, saying it did not disseminate false information on the matter. BI’s statement came after the lawyers of Romualdez demanded an apology from the agency over its alleged fake reports that the lawmaker was attempting to leave the country. In a statement on Friday, Romualdez’ spokesperson Ade Fejardo said that the Solis Media Fajardo & Malilong Law Offices sent a demand letter addressed to BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stating that the information on the lawmaker’s plan to leave the country is “patently false.” Article continues after this advertisement READ: Romualdez camp to BI: Apologize over fake news on attempt to leave PH According to Viado, the agency responded to legitimate media inquiries, emphasizing that it only provides factual information within the agency’s mandate. “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 in a press release. Viado noted that the information the BI gave regarding alleged travel plans that did not push through pertains to a supposed trip in April 2026. The statement from Romualdez’ spokesperson said that the demand letter was prompted by a July 21 statement by BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval, which said that the BI “received information that there were plans that did not push through.” Article continues after this advertisement The information was cited by the Office of the Ombudsman, which accused Romualdez of attempting to leave the country as plunder and money laundering complaints were being prepared against him. “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. Article continues after this advertisement Romualdez’ camp also said that the information given by the BI “unfairly created the impression” that he was attempting to flee the country to evade the pending criminal investigation against him. In April 2026, Romualdez’ request to travel out of the country for his angioplasty follow-up checkup was granted by House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and Secretary General Cheloy Garafil. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. However, the trip did not push through as the Sandiganbayan Seventh Division issued a precautionary hold departure against the former House Speaker. /jpv