The Sandiganbayan Sixth Division issued a Precautionary Hold Departure Order (PHDO) on Monday, granting the Office of the Ombudsman’s request to temporarily prevent the pair from leaving the Philippines. The order stems from an ongoing investigation into a “flood control mess” involving significant infrastructure funds.
Before granting the PHDO, the court held a closed-door summary hearing to evaluate the existence of probable cause.
Associate Justice Sarah Jane Fernandez ordered all non-parties to vacate the courtroom to avoid any potential “spoilage” of evidence.
“She explained that the prosecution’s evidence and witnesses are not yet ready for public disclosure, as no formal charges have been filed.”
The Ombudsman filed a verified ex parte application—a legal move that allows the court to act without notifying the opposing party—citing potential charges of plunder, graft, and indirect bribery against Escudero.
The controversy intensified after former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. Bernardo alleged that Escudero was entitled to a 20 percent “commitment fee” from various infrastructure projects.
Specifically, Bernardo claimed to have delivered ₱160 million to the former Senate President at Ngu’s building in Manila, followed by a second delivery of ₱120 million at the same site in 2025.
While these serious allegations form the basis of the current travel ban, Escudero’s camp has consistently maintained his innocence and denied any involvement in the scheme.