Philippines Bars Martin Romualdez from Travel Amid Corruption Probe

Apr 21, 2026

75 min

Apr 21, 2026 10:31

Marcos Jr's cousin Romualdez barred from leaving Philippines — Ombudsman seeks asset freeze amid flood-control probe

## Travel Ban and Asset Freeze Request

Martin Romualdez, a prominent Philippine politician and cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has been prohibited from leaving the country. This decision comes as the Office of the Ombudsman intensifies its investigation into alleged corruption involving flood-control funds. Romualdez's request to travel to Singapore for medical reasons was denied due to a "lookout order" issued against officials under investigation.

## Allegations and Investigation

The investigation focuses on billions of pesos allocated for flood-control projects, which are suspected to have been misused or improperly implemented. The Ombudsman has referred a complaint to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), which could lead to a freeze on Romualdez's assets. The probe aims to trace the financial flow of these funds and determine if they were diverted or misappropriated.

## Romualdez's Position

Romualdez, who stepped down as Speaker of the House in September, maintains that there is no legal barrier preventing his travel. His lawyer argues that the lookout order only requires coordination with authorities, not a travel ban. Despite the ongoing investigation, Romualdez has assured that he will fulfill his legislative duties and return after his medical appointment.

## Broader Implications

The case highlights the scrutiny on public officials in the Philippines, particularly those with significant influence over national budgets. Romualdez's family has longstanding ties to the Marcoses and holds substantial business interests. The potential freeze order would prevent access to his financial assets during the investigation, marking a significant step in the ongoing probe.

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