NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Court Bars Estrada, Bonoan From Leaving Philippines Amid Flood Control Plunder Probe
Photo credit: Senate PH
A Manila court has issued a precautionary hold departure order (HDO) preventing Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, former Public Works and Highways secretary Manuel Bonoan, and several former DPWH officials from leaving the Philippines while legal proceedings related to the flood control projects controversy continue.
The Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 52 granted the prosecutors’ request on February 10, 2026, directing the Bureau of Immigration to place the respondents on the hold departure list. The order cites probable cause to believe the respondents might leave the country to evade prosecution.
The HDO covers Estrada, Bonoan, and four other former DPWH officials, including Roberto Bernardo, Gerard Opulencia, Henry Alcantara, and in some reports, Maria Catalina Cabral. The exact list varies slightly depending on the source, but all are linked to the ongoing flood control probe.
The investigation focuses on alleged irregularities in flood control projects, including unbuilt, incomplete, or misreported infrastructure, with potential violations ranging from graft to plunder. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have been conducting subpoenas, preliminary inquiries, and gathering evidence since 2025.
Estrada and Bonoan have denied wrongdoing and have cooperated with investigators. Bonoan has filed a counter‑affidavit in response to the plunder complaints. The precautionary order does not constitute a formal conviction but ensures that the respondents remain within the country as prosecutors prepare their case for possible formal indictments.
The issuance of the HDO highlights the court’s and DOJ’s commitment to addressing allegations of corruption in public works projects that were intended to protect communities from floods. Lawmakers, anti-corruption advocates, and the public continue to watch closely as the case develops.
The Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 52 granted the prosecutors’ request on February 10, 2026, directing the Bureau of Immigration to place the respondents on the hold departure list. The order cites probable cause to believe the respondents might leave the country to evade prosecution.
The HDO covers Estrada, Bonoan, and four other former DPWH officials, including Roberto Bernardo, Gerard Opulencia, Henry Alcantara, and in some reports, Maria Catalina Cabral. The exact list varies slightly depending on the source, but all are linked to the ongoing flood control probe.
The investigation focuses on alleged irregularities in flood control projects, including unbuilt, incomplete, or misreported infrastructure, with potential violations ranging from graft to plunder. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have been conducting subpoenas, preliminary inquiries, and gathering evidence since 2025.
Estrada and Bonoan have denied wrongdoing and have cooperated with investigators. Bonoan has filed a counter‑affidavit in response to the plunder complaints. The precautionary order does not constitute a formal conviction but ensures that the respondents remain within the country as prosecutors prepare their case for possible formal indictments.
The issuance of the HDO highlights the court’s and DOJ’s commitment to addressing allegations of corruption in public works projects that were intended to protect communities from floods. Lawmakers, anti-corruption advocates, and the public continue to watch closely as the case develops.
Feb 16, 2026
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