Metro Manila, Philippines – The United States has revoked the diplomatic and tourist visas of former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez confirmed to NewsWatch Plus.
“It’s confirmed, we don’t have any other information,” the envoy said when asked about the status of his cousin’s US visas.
A source told NewsWatch Plus that Martin Romualdez previously held both a diplomatic visa and a tourist visa issued by the United States.
The US Embassy in Manila declined to comment on the specific case.
“Due to visa record confidentiality, the U.S. Department of State does not comment on individual visa cases or specific actions taken,” a US Embassy spokesperson said.
Romualdez faces complaints linked to the multibillion-peso flood control controversy.
The Sandiganbayan recently denied Romualdez’s plea to lift a travel ban on him.
Earlier, Assistant Ombudsman Jose Dominic “Mico” Clavano IV said some investigators believe Romualdez exercised “functional control” over the House committee on appropriations, which has been linked to alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
“There is that school of thought in the Office of the Ombudsman that he is really the mastermind,” Clavano said in a radio interview.
He said House leaders may bear responsibility over the actions of committees under their supervision, including the powerful appropriations panel.
The ombudsman special panel of investigators earlier found probable cause to pursue complaints against Romualdez for plunder, direct and indirect bribery, and money laundering, according to a complaint affidavit dated April 20.
Romualdez has denied wrongdoing and rejected allegations that he was the mastermind behind the alleged scheme.
In a recent video statement, he said command responsibility is more applicable to the executive branch, where projects are implemented and public funds are disbursed.
Romualdez has yet to publicly comment on the revocation of his US visas.
