The House of Representatives has approved the request for travel clearance of former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez, allowing him to travel to Singapore for medical purposes.

The approval was granted by House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III through House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil. Romualdez is permitted to travel from April 20 to May 4, 2026, to undergo a follow-up medical checkup following a recent angioplasty procedure.

Authorities said the travel clearance was issued with Romualdez’s commitment to return to the Philippines after the approved travel period, addressing concerns regarding his compliance with legislative and legal protocols.

His legal counsel, Atty. Ade Fajardo clarified that Romualdez is not prohibited from leaving the country, contradicting earlier remarks attributed to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla.

Fajardo stressed that the travel request was made in “good faith,” underscoring the lawmaker’s intention to return and continue fulfilling his duties.

The lawyer also dismissed reports of an alleged asset freeze order as speculative, noting that no formal application has been filed by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) before the Court of Appeals.

He further added that no criminal charges have been filed against Romualdez before the Ombudsman or any court.

The House approval effectively allows the former Speaker to proceed with his scheduled medical care abroad while remaining subject to existing immigration monitoring measures.