US revokes visas of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez — envoy

The United States has revoked the diplomatic and tourist visas of Leyte Representative and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, according to Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez.

Ambassador Romualdez confirmed the cancellation but said no further details were provided by US authorities. “All I can say is it's confirmed. I don't have any details,” the envoy said in a text message.

The ambassador said the revocation covered all types of visas previously issued to the former House Speaker. The US Embassy in Manila has not issued any public statement on the matter, in line with its usual policy of not disclosing individual visa records.

Representative Romualdez is the cousin of the Philippine envoy who confirmed the development. The former House Speaker is currently facing legal issues in the Philippines linked to an ongoing investigation into an alleged multibillion-peso flood control fund controversy. No formal charges have been filed so far.

Earlier, the Sandiganbayan denied his request to lift a precautionary travel restriction after the Office of the Ombudsman secured a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) in April. The order stemmed from allegations involving a supposed kickback scheme tied to flood control projects.

Romualdez has denied the accusations, calling them speculative and unsupported by credible evidence. He also argued that the allegations were based on assumptions about his alleged influence over the budget process and supposed instructions to former Representative Elizaldy Co to collect and transmit funds from infrastructure projects.

He has also sought temporary relief from the travel restriction to allow an “overdue” medical consultation in Singapore following an angioplasty.

Meanwhile, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier said authorities are preparing a money laundering case and a broader “master case” for conspiracy to defraud the national treasury, which may include a plunder charge.

In court filings, prosecutors described Romualdez as a potential flight risk, citing his diplomatic passport, extensive international connections, and ability to travel quickly. They also characterized him as the alleged mastermind of the flood control kickback scheme.