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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Sandiganbayan denies Romualdez request to lift precautionary HDO

Sandiganbayan denies Romualdez request to lift precautionary HDO

Published Jun 3, 2026 02:01 pm

At A Glance

  • In a promulgation on June 1, the anti-graft court's Seventh Division said there were circumstances indicating possible intent "to evade arrest and prosecution."
Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez (MANILA BULLETIN)
Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez (MANILA BULLETIN)
The Sandiganbayan has denied the motion of House Speaker Martin Romualdez to lift a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO), ruling there was no sufficient basis to allow his travel abroad.
In a promulgation on June 1, the anti-graft court’s Seventh Division said there were circumstances indicating possible intent “to evade arrest and prosecution.”
The ruling was penned by Associate Justice Lorifel Latap Pahimna, chairperson of the Seventh Division, with concurrence from Associate Justices Georgina D. Hidalgo and Hans Gatestet Nocom.
Romualdez, in his motion for reconsideration filed on May 18, argued that he is not a flight risk, citing his public service record, family ties, and cooperation with investigators.
The PHDO was issued on April 22.
He also said his travel abroad was for medical reasons.
The court rejected the solon’s request, saying he failed to present medical records, medical abstracts, and a confirmed consultation schedule with a physician in Singapore.
It also said no urgency was shown and no evidence was presented that treatment abroad was necessary or unavailable in the Philippines.
“Even assuming that Rep. Romaldez is indeed suffering from a medical condition, he presented no evidence showing that his illness is urgent or that it constitutes an immediate medical emergency requiring treatment abroad,” it said.
The court added that there was no detailed itinerary and no designated representative who could act on his behalf while abroad.
It also cited the gravity of the allegations in flood control projects, saying the risk of flight cannot be disregarded.
“Rep. Romualdez has been identified as the alleged mastermind behind the flood control scam,” it said.
“Given the gravity of the allegations and the severe penalties that may result, including imprisonment, fines, and forfeiture of assets, Rep. Romualdez clearly possesses sufficient motive and opportunity to evade the jurisdiction of the authorities should he be allowed to leave the country,” it added.
The court said the PHDO is a preventive measure that ensures the presence of respondents during preliminary investigation.

Related Tags

MARTIN ROMUALDEZ HDO SANDIGANBAYAN FLOOD CONTROL
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