The Office of the Ombudsman has formally requested the Sandiganbayan to issue a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez amid ongoing investigations into the flood control scandal.
The move aims to prevent Romualdez from leaving the country while the anti-graft body continues its probe, ensuring that the legal process remains uninterrupted. The Ombudsman stressed that the precautionary measure is intended to ensure that the respondent remains within the jurisdiction of Philippine authorities while a thorough review of the complaints is underway. Meanwhile, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla said that the office did not approve Romualdez’s request to travel to Singapore for medical treatment. However, in a separate development, the House of Representatives approved Romualdez’s request for travel clearance for a medical follow-up in Singapore. A precautionary HDO is a legal remedy that restricts an individual under investigation from leaving the country until the resolution of the case, particularly in situations where authorities deem there is a risk of flight or obstruction of justice. The request now awaits action from the Sandiganbayan, which will determine whether the order will be issued.
According to Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano, the request is a necessary step to safeguard the integrity of the investigation and avoid any potential attempts to evade legal proceedings.
