(MARTIN ROMUALDEZ FACEBOOK)
TACLOBAN CITY — Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez remains in the country and continues to oversee his congressional duties despite mounting speculation about his absence from public events, a staff member from his Tacloban-based office said Friday, April 24.
The clarification came after rumors circulated online claiming that the former House Speaker had gone into hiding or quietly left the country following recent controversies.
According to the aide, who declined to be named due to lack of authority to speak publicly, Romualdez “will not leave the country” and remains in constant communication with his staff, regularly issuing instructions and monitoring district concerns.
The lawmaker is currently under a travel restriction order issued by the Sandiganbayan, acting on a request from the Office of the Ombudsman, which denied his bid to travel to Singapore for a medical checkup.
Romualdez last visited his congressional district in March. During the April 15 visit of his cousin, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to Tacloban City, the former House leader was not present.
The aide dismissed claims that the congressman was evading authorities as “unfounded and fake news,” attributing them to political opponents.
Despite the controversy, the congressional office continues to operate, providing assistance to constituents across the district, which covers Tacloban City and eight municipalities in Leyte.
“We continue to serve the people. Even with a four-day work week, personnel are assigned on Fridays to attend to those seeking help,” the aide said.
Romualdez has been linked to allegations involving questionable flood control projects raised by former congressman Zaldy Co.
He has denied any involvement and ordered a review and inventory of all infrastructure projects implemented in his district, including flood control initiatives.
On Friday, Romualdez asked the Ombudsman to halt its investigation into his alleged involvement in the controversy, arguing that the matter should instead be handled by an independent body. He also claimed that Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla appeared to have prejudged him.
Earlier, the Department of Public Works and Highways said there were no “ghost projects” recorded under Romualdez’s district, countering allegations tied to the issue.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
