MANILA, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman, which investigates the multibillion flood control corruption, has asked the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan for the issuance of a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) against Senator Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero.

If granted, a PHDO could bar Escudero from traveling overseas. This legal relief is invoked by prosecutors, like the Ombudsman, when their investigation is at the complaint level.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla told Rappler that the PHDO is for Escudero’s plunder, graft, and bribery complaints.

One source has also confirmed to Rappler the Ombudsman’s PHDO request. Another source told Rappler that the complaints and PHDO request also include businessman Maynard Ngu, Escudero’s friend and campaign donor.

Remulla said they had filed the PHDO request on Friday, April 24. The Sandiganbayan is also said to schedule the raffle on Saturday, April 25.

Escudero’s name was put in the spotlight amid the flood control mess after an investigation revealed that Lawrence R. Lubiano, the president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., was Escudero’s top donor in the 2022 elections.

At least P30 million was donated to the senator’s campaign funds, based on his official Statement of Contributions and Expenditures.

Not only that, former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Roberto Bernardo also tagged Escudero in the alleged corruption, claiming that the senator had allegedly received a P160-million kickback.

Bernardo claimed that he personally delivered money to Ngu on the senator’s behalf. – Rappler.com