The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday received the precautionary hold departure order (HDO) against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Speaking to DZRH, Immigration Spokesperson Dana Sandoval said this was part of the bureau’s system and is currently being implemented—which means Romualdez has been barred from leaving the country, reported RH 15 Jecelle Ricafort on Thursday.

Earlier, the Sandiganbayan 7th Division granted the Office of the Ombudsman’s request and issued the precautionary HDO against Romualdez. In the request, the Ombudsman said that the former House head was linked to plunder, direct bribery, indirect bribery, and money laundering in connection with anomalous flood control projects.

Prior to this, the Ombudsman denied Romualdez’s request to travel to Singapore for a supposed medical check-up.

On the other hand, the House of Representatives approved Romualdez’s travel request.

“As requested, travel clearance is hereby granted to the Honorable Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Representative, 1st District, Leyte, in connection with his personal trip to Singapore from 20 April to 04 May 2026,” House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil said.

Following its approval, Sandoval confirmed to DZRH News via phone call that they have no record of Romualdez leaving the country. This was confirmed by Romualdez’s lawyer, Atty. Ade Fajardo, who said that the lawmaker will push for legal remedies to counter the HDO.

Earlier this week, Romualdez, through a video statement, repudiated the allegations of corruption against him.