MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman has moved to bar Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero and businessman Maynard Ngu from leaving the country, seeking a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) from the Sandiganbayan as it intensifies its probe into an alleged P800-million flood control corruption scheme.
The request, filed Saturday and raffled to the anti-graft court’s Sixth Division, comes as both Escudero and Ngu face investigation for alleged plunder, graft, and indirect bribery linked to controversial infrastructure fund insertions.
The move stems from allegations made by former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who claimed that a portion of funds from infrastructure projects was funneled through Ngu.
In his affidavit, Bernardo alleged that 20 percent, or about P160 million, of roughly P800 million worth of inserted flood control projects for Valenzuela was coursed through Ngu and intended for Escudero.
Bernardo described Ngu as a “close friend” and said he personally delivered cash to the businessman’s office in Manila. He also claimed that Ngu was a campaign contributor to Escudero.
Ngu has denied the allegations and said he has taken legal action against Bernardo.
“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,” Ngu said. “For this, I invoke the sub judice rule because it’s pending already with appropriate courts.”
Escudero also rejected the accusations and said he would pursue legal action.
“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 said, describing the claims as “malicious allegations and innuendos.”
The Ombudsman has yet to issue a detailed statement on the PHDO request, which seeks to prevent both individuals from leaving the country while the investigation remains ongoing./PN
