MANILA – The United States has revoked the diplomatic and tourist visas of former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez, Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez confirmed on Friday.
The ambassador confirmed the development in a message to reporters but stressed that he did not have additional information on the circumstances that led to the visa cancellation.
“It’s confirmed. I don’t have any details,” he said in a text message.
He also acknowledged his familial relationship with the lawmaker.
The US Embassy in Manila declined to elaborate on the decision when sought for comment, citing longstanding confidentiality policies governing visa records. The embassy reiterated that under US Department of State regulations, it does not disclose or discuss individual visa cases or any specific actions taken on such applications.
“Due to visa record confidentiality, the US Department of State does not comment on individual visa cases or specific actions taken,” it said in a statement.
The development follows recent legal proceedings involving Romualdez in the Philippines. The Sandiganbayan anti-graft court previously denied a motion seeking to lift a precautionary hold departure order issued against him, which effectively restricts his ability to leave the country without court permission.
The case is connected to an ongoing investigation into allegations involving a large-scale flood control controversy, which has been the subject of scrutiny by investigators and oversight bodies.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed further details of the allegations, and proceedings remain ongoing.
ia/xf
