THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has stood by its previous statement regarding former House speaker Martin Romualdez, rejecting accusations that it disseminated false or fabricated information.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said on Saturday that the BI is standing by its earlier statement on an alleged travel plan of former House of Representatives speaker Romualdez in April 2026 that ultimately did not materialize.
”The immigration bureau’s response referred to information available to the bureau at the time and was issued solely in response to legitimate media inquiries. The bureau did not initiate the public discussion on the matter,” Viado said.
The BI issued the statement after receiving a letter from Solis Medina Fajardo & Malilong Law Offices demanding that the BI withdraw its earlier statement on Romualdez.
In April, the Sandiganbayan issued a provisional hold departure order against Romualdez, who is being investigated over complaints of alleged plunder, direct bribery, violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, indirect bribery and money laundering.
Viado added that the party concerned is fully aware of the relevant immigration records and applicable travel restrictions related to the issue. He categorically denied allegations that the bureau fabricated or misrepresented information in its public statement.
Viado emphasized that the BI is committed to providing the public with honest, accurate and responsible information while...
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has stood by its previous statement regarding former House speaker Martin Romualdez, rejecting accusations that it disseminated false or fabricated information. Immig...