US Cancels Romualdez’s Diplomatic, Tourist Visas

The United States has revoked the diplomatic and tourist visas it issued to former House speaker Martin Romualdez, Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez confirmed on Friday, June 5. 

“I just found out now. Yes, it’s true. We just got word (on Thursday),” he told The Philippine STAR in a text message, adding that the information came from the “State Department.” 

The US embassy in Manila, however, emphasized that information on visa records and decisions are confidential. 

“Due to visa record confidentiality, the US Department of State does not comment on individual visa cases or specific actions taken,” an embassy spokesperson told The Philippine STAR. 

Bilyonaryo News Channel, in a separate report, said a top Philippine government official had confirmed that Romualdez’s A-1 diplomatic visa and B1/B2 non-immigrant visa were canceled several weeks ago.  

The Leyte lawmaker is among those facing investigation for alleged involvement in the misuse of public funds related to flood control projects and the budget process.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has said Romualdez could face indictment for conspiracy to commit plunder as well as malversation through falsification of public documents. Both are non-bailable offenses.

Romualdez is under a provisional hold order and freeze orders have been issued on several of his assets.

He has denied all the accusations and warned that he would not be a “scapegoat” or a “fall guy.”

Bilyonaryo reported that Romualdez had been informed of the visa cancellations along with several government agencies such as the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice.