MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman filed a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) before the Sandiganbayan on Tuesday against Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez in connection with plunder complaints alleging he masterminded a ₱56 billion kickback scheme. After the PHDO was requested, Romualdez finally spoke out, strongly denying allegations that he was the “mastermind”
