Career
Romualdez embarked on his own career in the diplomatic service and in politics spanning more than 20 years. He served several terms as Leyte governor. His brother-in-law, President Ferdinand Marcos appointed him as ambassador to China, Saudi Arabia and the United States while serving as Leyte governor until 1986, when his family went into exile following the People Power Revolution. He was later elected as a member of the Batasang Pambansa in 1984 but preferred to remain as ambassador to the United States, therefore was disqualified to sit in the parliament.
He was instrumental in the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China in the 1970s, becoming Manila’s first ambassador to Beijing.
Known for his organizational skills, Romualdez paved the way for the state visits of President Marcos to various countries, including the United States.