The Office of the Ombudsman has formally petitioned the Sandiganbayan to prevent Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero and businessman Maynard Ngu from leaving the country while they face an investigation into an alleged massive flood control fund irregularity.
The request for a precautionary hold departure order was filed on Saturday and subsequently assigned to the Sandiganbayan’s Sixth Division. The move comes as authorities probe allegations of plunder, graft, and indirect bribery involving the two figures, stemming from a high-profile controversy over government project insertions.
The Foundation of the Allegations
The investigation was triggered by the testimony of former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo. In a sworn statement, Bernardo detailed a scheme involving approximately ₱800 million in projects for Valenzuela City within the General Appropriations Act.
Bernardo alleged that a 20% cut—amounting to ₱160 million—was funneled through Ngu. According to the former official, these funds were:
“meant for Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero.”
Bernardo further claimed that he personally delivered the cash to Ngu’s Manila office, identifying the businessman as a “close friend” and a campaign donor to the senator.
Defenses and Denials
Both Escudero and Ngu have vehemently denied the claims, dismissing them as fabrications.
Ngu has already initiated legal proceedings against Bernardo to counter the accusations.
“I absolutely denied all the allegations made by Usec. Bernardo. That’s the reason why I already filed the case against Usec. on defamatory insinuations. For this, I invoke the sub judice rule because it’s pending already with appropriate courts,” Ngu stated during a previous Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing.
Escudero has similarly signaled his intent to fight the allegations in court, pointing out a lack of direct evidence connecting him to the supposed transactions.
“By his own admission, he never had any contact with me directly regarding this matter—and I will prove that he is lying about my alleged involvement,” Escudero remarked, labeling the claims as “malicious allegations and innuendos.”
The Sandiganbayan is expected to deliberate on the travel ban request as the investigation into the alleged scam continues.