The Sandiganbayan Seventh Division has dismissed the motion of former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez to lift the precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) imposed against him.
Court Decision Details
In a decision dated June 1 and penned by Associate Justice Lorifel Pahimna, the anti-graft court ruled that Romualdez failed to provide sufficient grounds to allow him to travel abroad for an alleged medical check-up. According to the court, the congressman did not submit the required documents, including a medical abstract and other medical records, to support his request.
The court also stated that Romualdez failed to prove that his medical consultation and treatment abroad were urgent. Consequently, the Sandiganbayan found no sufficient reason to lift the existing precautionary hold departure order against him.
Flight Risk Assessment
In its decision, the court emphasized that Romualdez remains a flight risk while the case against him is being heard. Case records indicate that Romualdez is considered the alleged mastermind behind anomalies related to controversial flood control projects currently under investigation by authorities.
Meanwhile, the camp of Romualdez is awaiting the next steps regarding the Sandiganbayan's decision.
