MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) maintained that its earlier statement regarding the reported travel plans of Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez was based on information available to the agency at the time and was issued in response to legitimate media inquiries.

In a statement, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado rejected allegations that the bureau had released false or misleading information, stressing that the agency remains committed to transparency while upholding due process and the rule of law.

“We remain committed to providing honest, accurate, and responsible public information while respecting due process and the constitutional rights of all persons,” Viado said.

The clarification came after BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval disclosed on July 21 that the bureau had received information indicating that Romualdez had planned to travel abroad, although the trip did not materialize.

“The concerned party’s camp is aware of the existing derogatory records and the applicable restrictions. Should there be any actual attempt to depart, the Bureau will enforce the law accordingly,” Sandoval said.

Romualdez’s legal team later called on the BI to retract the statement, arguing that it created the false impression that the former House Speaker was attempting to flee the country.

The BI noted that while Romualdez had previously been granted permission to travel overseas in April for medical reasons, the Sandiganbayan Seventh Division subsequently issued a Precautionary Hold Departure Order against him.

Viado emphasized that the bureau did not initiate public discussion on the matter, explaining that its statement merely reflected information on record at the time.

“The Bureau’s response referred to information available to the Bureau at the time and was issued solely in response to legitimate media inquiries. The Bureau did not initiate the public discussion on the matter,” he said.

He added that the BI would continue to discharge its mandate professionally, impartially and in accordance with the law.

“The Bureau of Immigration will continue to perform its mandate professionally, impartially and in accordance with the law. Our actions and public statements will always be anchored on verified facts, good governance, and the rule of law.”PNA