FILE

The Sandiganbayan is deliberating on a request to issue a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) against Senator Francis Escudero and businessman Maynard Ngu as part of an ongoing investigation linked to alleged irregularities in government flood control projects.

The request was reportedly filed by the Office of the Ombudsman, which sought to restrict the movement of the respondents while the preliminary investigation into possible violations of anti-graft laws is ongoing.

A PHDO is a legal preventive measure that may be issued by courts upon request of prosecutors to ensure that individuals under investigation remain within the country’s jurisdiction. It is not a declaration of guilt but a safeguard to prevent possible flight while a case is being evaluated.

Senator Escudero, a sitting member of the Senate and former Senate president, and businessman Ngu are being investigated in connection with alleged offenses including plunder, graft, and indirect bribery. The allegations are reportedly tied to questions surrounding the implementation and funding of flood control projects, which have long faced scrutiny over delays, inefficiencies, and possible irregularities in public spending.

The proceedings on the request are being handled in accordance with standard court procedure, which may include confidential deliberations depending on the sensitivity of the case and the stage of the investigation.

As of this writing, the Sandiganbayan has not yet issued a ruling on the Ombudsman’s request. The court’s decision will determine whether Escudero and Ngu will be temporarily barred from leaving the country while the investigation continues.