The Ombudsman asks Sandiganbayan to issue a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) against Senator Chiz Escudero and businessman Maynard Ngu.

The motion was submitted to Sandiganbayan’s 6th division this Saturday, April 25, 2026.

Both Senator and Ngu are currently under investigation for potential violations involving plunder, graft, and indirect bribery. 

Former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo previously tagged the senator for allegedly receiving kickbacks from the government infrastructure projects, while Maynard Ngu has been identified as the senator’s alleged bagman. 

Escudero and Ngu denied the allegations. 

A closed-door hearing is conducted at the Sandiganbayan today, April 27, 2026, to maintain confidentiality and determine if there is sufficient basis to grant the Ombudsman’s request for a PHDO against the senator and the businessman.

A resolution on the matter is expected to be released today or by tomorrow.

With reports from Evan Alvarez