THE Sandiganbayan Sixth Division has officially issued a Precautionary Hold Departure Order (PHDO) against incumbent Senator and former Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, along with businessman Maynard Ngu.
The travel restriction comes as both face investigation by authorities over serious charges including plunder, graft, and indirect bribery, all linked to the alleged irregularities surrounding multi-billion-peso flood control projects implemented under previous national budgets. The order effectively prevents the two individuals from leaving the country while legal proceedings and investigations against them remain ongoing.
This development follows closely on earlier announcements made by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, who confirmed that prosecutors under his office have already completed preparations to file formal plunder complaints against Escudero and former House speaker Martin Romualdez.
Speaking during a press conference, Remulla emphasized that the cases are built on findings indicating coordinated actions among those involved. “We have been seriously preparing a case for plunder against former speaker Martin Romualdez and former Senate president Chiz Escudero. There’s conspiracy involved,” Remulla stated, adding that the alleged anomalies are deeply connected to the planning, approval, and funding of flood control infrastructure across the country.
Key details of the allegations stem from the testimony and sworn statement of former Public Works and Highways undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who has been presented as a state witness in the investigation. Bernardo claimed that approximately ₱800 million worth of projects inserted into the national budget for Valenzuela City were subject to a 20 percent kickback scheme, amounting to roughly ₱160 million in total.
According to his account, these funds were coursed through Maynard Ngu and were intended to be given directly to Senator Escudero. Bernardo also described Ngu as a close personal friend, stating that he personally delivered the cash proceeds to Ngu’s office in Manila, and further alleged that the businessman served as a major campaign contributor and trusted associate of the senator.
Both individuals have firmly rejected the accusations leveled against them. Senator Escudero dismissed Bernardo’s statements as nothing more than “malicious allegations and innuendos,” asserting that the witness himself admitted to never having any direct communication or transaction with him regarding the questioned projects.
The lawmaker also vowed to present evidence proving that the claims against him are fabricated and untrue. Meanwhile, Maynard Ngu has also denied any participation in the alleged kickback scheme, maintaining that he had no involvement in the irregularities tied to flood control programs. As the legal process moves forward, the issuance of the travel restriction ensures that both men will remain within the reach of authorities as the cases against them are resolved.
