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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Freeze order on assets 'speculative' without AMLC action, says Romualdez lawyer

Freeze order on assets 'speculative' without AMLC action, says Romualdez lawyer

Published Apr 21, 2026 04:20 pm

At A Glance

  • The camp of Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez said on Tuesday afternoon, April 21 that it was technically "speculative" to say that a freeze order on the former House Speaker's assets was imminent.
Former House Speaker Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez (PPAB)
Former House Speaker Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez (PPAB)


The camp of Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez said on Tuesday afternoon, April 21 that it was technically "speculative" to say that a freeze order on the former House Speaker's assets was imminent.
"On the reported request for a freeze order: under the law, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) must file a formal application before the Court of Appeals (CA), supported by evidence, before any freeze order may be issued," Romualdez's counsel and spokesperson, lawyer Ade Fajardo, said in a statement Tuesday.
"As of this time, we have received no official notice of any such application or order. Any statement suggesting that a freeze order is imminent remains speculative," Fajardo said.
Earlier Tuesday, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla bared in a press conference that said his office was waiting for the AMLC to file a freeze order on the assets of the two-time former House speaker for reported money laundering.
The Romualdez camp's has also stressed that "there is no filed charge before the Office of the Ombudsman or any court".
"Statements about cases ‘being prepared’ do not equate to an actual prosecution," underscored Fajardo.
"We urge caution against drawing conclusions from incomplete or unofficial information. Rep. Romualdez has consistently respected legal processes and will continue to do so," he said.
"If and when any formal action is taken, we will respond fully and appropriately before the proper forum. Until then, these remain unverified claims, and our client is entitled to the presumption of innocence," the lawyer added.

Related Tags

Martin Romualdez AMLC Ombudsman Boying Remulla Freeze order
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