The Office of the Ombudsman has asked the Sandiganbayan to issue a precautionary Hold Departure Order (PHDO) against Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero and businessman Maynard Ngu in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

In its filing on Saturday, April 25, 2026, the Ombudsman sought to prevent the two from leaving the Philippines while they face allegations of plunder, graft, and indirect bribery.

The request was subsequently raffled off to the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division.

Escudero, a former Senate President, and Ngu have been implicated in the case following accusations linked to alleged kickbacks in government flood control projects.

The case stems from an ongoing Senate inquiry and related investigations into alleged anomalies in infrastructure spending.

During the probe, former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo claimed that Ngu allegedly acted as Escudero’s “bagman” in connection with the transactions under scrutiny.

Bernardo claimed that Escudero received a ₱160 million kickback through Ngu, following a meeting at Ngu’s Cork Wine Bar in Taguig.

The Ombudsman’s request is intended as a preventive measure while the Sandiganbayan evaluates the charges and evidence presented in the case.

Office of the Ombudsman is continuing its investigation into the alleged scheme, which involves accusations of corruption tied to public works projects.

The Sandiganbayan has yet to act on the PHDO application.