The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has pushed back against demands from former House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s legal team to withdraw its earlier statement on his alleged travel plans, insisting it released no false information and acted only within its official mandate.
The clash escalated Saturday after BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado categorically rejected accusations that the agency spread misleading claims regarding Romualdez’s supposed attempt to leave the country, saying the Bureau merely answered legitimate media questions using information available at the time.
The dispute erupted after Romualdez’s lawyers called on the BI to retract its earlier remarks and publicly apologize, branding the agency’s statement as “fake news.” The legal team maintained that Romualdez never attempted to flee the country to avoid any legal proceedings.
Viado, however, stood firm.
According to the immigration chief, the Bureau’s previous response referred specifically to reports about an alleged overseas trip being planned in April 2026—a trip that ultimately never happened.
He stressed that the BI did not initiate the controversy and merely responded when members of the media sought clarification on a matter that had already become a subject of public interest.
“The Bureau’s response referred to information available to the Bureau at the time and was issued solely in response to legitimate media inquiries,” Viado said, emphasizing that the agency did not originate the public discussion surrounding the issue.
Political Storm Intensifies
The exchange comes as Romualdez faces growing scrutiny after the Office of the Ombudsman launched a preliminary investigation into complaints accusing him and former lawmaker Zaldy Co of plunder, bribery, graft, and money laundering.
Earlier this week, the Ombudsman disclosed that it had received information alleging Romualdez attempted to travel abroad despite being covered by a Precautionary Hold Departure Order, further fueling public attention.
Romualdez’s camp has repeatedly denied those claims, insisting there was never any attempt to leave the Philippines and accusing authorities of circulating inaccurate information.
BI Rejects ‘False Information’ Allegation
Despite mounting pressure from Romualdez’s lawyers, Viado maintained that the Bureau has nothing to retract.
He said the agency “respectfully rejects” allegations that it fabricated or deliberately spread false information, stressing that every public statement released by the BI is grounded on records and information available to the agency at the time.
The commissioner also pointed out that the concerned party is fully aware of the applicable immigration records and travel restrictions relevant to the issue.
Bureau Vows to Stay Neutral
As the controversy continues to unfold, the Bureau reiterated that it will continue performing its responsibilities professionally and impartially while respecting constitutional rights and due process.
Viado said the BI remains committed to transparency, good governance, and the rule of law, adding that the agency’s actions will continue to be guided by verified information rather than speculation.
With both sides refusing to back down, the dispute has evolved beyond a disagreement over travel records into a broader confrontation over government transparency, accountability, and the handling of politically sensitive information.