Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez has formally requested travel clearance from House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III to travel to Singapore for medical follow-up treatment from April 20 to May 4, 2026, according to an official letter dated April 20, 2025.
The congressman described the Singapore trip as necessary for a "long overdue follow-up" on his angioplasty surgery, a cardiac procedure that requires periodic medical monitoring and assessment.
"I give my unequivocal assurance that I will return to the Philippines immediately upon completion of my medical engagement and remain accessible for any urgent legislative matters during this period," Romualdez wrote in his formal request to the House Speaker.
Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order Complicates Travel
The travel request comes amid legal complications for the Leyte representative, who acknowledged in his letter that he has also notified the Department of Justice of his intention to travel. This notification stems from an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) issued against him on October 8, 2025.
An Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order is a legal restriction that requires individuals under investigation to seek clearance before traveling abroad. The order ensures that subjects of ongoing investigations remain accessible to authorities and do not flee the country while legal proceedings are pending.
Romualdez's letter was addressed through the proper House channels, going through Secretary General Atty. Cheloy Garafil before reaching Speaker Dy's office. The formal protocol demonstrates the congressman's attempt to maintain transparency regarding his travel plans despite the legal restrictions.
Flood Control Investigation Context
The travel request takes on additional significance given Romualdez's involvement in recent congressional investigations related to flood control projects. The timing of his medical travel coincides with ongoing scrutiny of infrastructure spending and project implementation across various districts.
The controversial nature of the travel request is heightened by parallel cases involving other officials under similar investigations. Zalco Co, another individual connected to flood control investigations, has reportedly remained overseas while also being subject to investigation, raising concerns about accountability and the potential for officials to avoid legal proceedings by traveling abroad.
This pattern has drawn attention from government watchdog groups and opposition legislators who have called for stricter monitoring of travel by officials under investigation.
Medical Tourism and Legislative Responsibilities
Romualdez's case highlights the complex intersection of medical needs and legislative duties for elected officials facing legal scrutiny. Angioplasty, a procedure to open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries, typically requires regular follow-up care to monitor heart function and ensure the success of the intervention.
Singapore has become a preferred destination for Filipino officials and wealthy citizens seeking specialized medical care, particularly for cardiac procedures and cancer treatment. The city-state's advanced medical facilities and proximity to the Philippines make it a practical choice for complex medical follow-ups.
However, the congressman's assurance to "remain accessible for any urgent legislative matters" during his absence raises questions about how effectively he can fulfill his congressional duties while abroad, particularly given the ongoing investigations.
House Leadership Response Awaited
Speaker Dy has not yet publicly responded to Romualdez's travel request. The House leadership faces the delicate task of balancing a colleague's medical needs against the demands of ongoing legislative work and public accountability.
The Speaker's decision will likely set a precedent for how the House handles similar requests from members who are subject to legal restrictions but claim medical necessities for foreign travel.
Congressional sources indicate that the request will undergo careful review, particularly given the sensitive nature of the ongoing flood control investigations and public concerns about accountability.
Department of Justice Coordination Required
The involvement of the Department of Justice in reviewing Romualdez's travel plans adds another layer of complexity to the approval process. The DOJ must weigh the congressman's medical claims against the investigative needs that prompted the original Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order.
Legal experts note that medical emergencies and necessary follow-up care are typically considered valid grounds for travel even when lookout orders are in place, but authorities retain discretion to deny such requests if they believe the travel poses a flight risk.
The two-week duration of the requested travel period will likely be scrutinized to determine whether it aligns with typical medical follow-up requirements for angioplasty patients.
Public Accountability Concerns
Government transparency advocates have expressed concern about the timing and circumstances of the travel request. They argue that officials under investigation should face higher scrutiny for foreign travel, regardless of stated medical reasons.
The case has reignited debates about the effectiveness of Immigration Lookout Bulletin Orders and whether the current system provides adequate safeguards against officials using medical or other justifications to avoid legal accountability.
As the approval process unfolds, public attention will likely focus on both the medical documentation supporting Romualdez's travel request and the broader implications for how elected officials balance personal needs with public responsibilities while under investigation.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of House of Representatives