MANILA — The Sandiganbayan has denied the request of Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez to lift a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) issued against him in connection with an ongoing government investigation into his alleged involvement in the flood control controversy.

In a report, it said that in a 12-page resolution, the Seventh Division of the anti-graft court said Romualdez failed to sufficiently justify his request for foreign travel for medical reasons.

“Representative Romualdez failed to establish the necessity of his proposed travel abroad… Although he claimed that the trip was for medical reasons, he did not submit any supporting medical records, medical abstract, or even a confirmed schedule for follow-up consultation with his physician in Singapore,” the Sandiganbayan said.

“He likewise failed to show that prior to the emergence of the flood control controversy, he had previously undertaken similar trips for the same medical purpose,” it added.

The court said the issuance of the PHDO was meant to ensure the presence of an individual under investigation and prevent the possibility of evasion should criminal charges be filed.

“Accordingly, [the] instant motion is denied for lack of merit,” the Sandiganbayan said.

Romualdez is currently facing complaints for alleged plunder, direct bribery, violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, indirect bribery, and money laundering.

The lawmaker has repeatedly denied the allegations, saying these are based on intrigue and not supported by evidence.