MANILA — The United States has canceled the diplomatic and tourist visas of former House of Representatives Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez confirmed.

“All I can say is it’s confirmed. I don’t have any details,” the envoy said in a text message.

The ambassador also noted that he is a cousin of the lawmaker.

The US Embassy in Manila declined to disclose details surrounding the visa cancellation.

“Due to visa record confidentiality, the US Department of State does not comment on individual visa cases or specific actions taken,” it told the Philippine News Agency.

The cancellation reportedly came after the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court denied Romualdez’s motion to lift a precautionary hold departure order issued in connection with an ongoing investigation into his alleged involvement in a massive flood control scandal.