The Office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City on March 6, 2026.
The Office of the Ombudsman has asked the Sandiganbayan to issue a precautionary hold departure order against Senator Chiz Escudero and businessman Maynard Ngu.
Escudero and Ngu are being investigated for plunder, graft, and indirect bribery related to the flood control mess.
The Ombudsman’s request was raffled to the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division yesterday.
Former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo earlier stated that he funneled 20% or P160 million of the P800 million in inserted projects for Valenzuela through Ngu, sourced from the General Appropriations Act.
Bernardo said the P160 million was intended for Escudero.
Bernardo added that Ngu is his “close friend,” who personally delivered the cash to his office in Manila.
In his affidavit, Bernardo also said Ngu is a “close friend” and campaign contributor of Escudero.
Ngu and Escudero have denied involvement in the flood control kickback.
Office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City
The Office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City is the primary government agency in the Philippines tasked with investigating and prosecuting cases of corruption and misconduct among public officials. Established under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, it serves as an independent watchdog to ensure accountability and integrity in government service. Its headquarters in Quezon City houses the main operations and investigative units that handle complaints from citizens across the country.
Sandiganbayan
The Sandiganbayan is a special appellate court in the Philippines established in 1978 under Presidential Decree No. 1606, tasked with trying criminal and civil cases involving graft, corruption, and other offenses committed by public officials. It was created to promote accountability and integrity in government, particularly during the martial law era under President Ferdinand Marcos. The court’s name is derived from the Filipino words “sandigan” (foundation) and “bayan” (nation), reflecting its role in upholding justice against official misconduct.
Sandiganbayan Sixth Division
The Sandiganbayan Sixth Division is one of the divisions of the Sandiganbayan, a special appellate court in the Philippines established in 1978 to try cases of graft and corruption involving public officials. It handles criminal and civil cases related to violations of anti-graft laws, focusing on high-profile corruption cases. The Sixth Division, like other divisions of the court, plays a key role in the country’s efforts to promote accountability and good governance.
Valenzuela
Valenzuela is a highly urbanized city in the northern part of Metro Manila, Philippines, named after the physician and patriot Dr. Pío Valenzuela, a key figure in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. Originally a town called Polo, it played a significant role in the country’s history as the site of the “Cry of Pugad Lawin,” which marked the beginning of the 1896 revolution. Today, it is a bustling industrial and residential hub, known for its rich cultural heritage and modern development.
Office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City
The Office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City, Philippines, is the constitutional body responsible for investigating and prosecuting government officials accused of corruption and other misconduct. Established under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, it began operations in 1988, with its headquarters located in Quezon City. The office plays a crucial role in promoting accountability and good governance in the country.
Sandiganbayan
The Sandiganbayan is a special appellate court in the Philippines established in 1978 to handle criminal and civil cases involving graft and corrupt practices committed by public officials, especially those in high-ranking government positions. Its creation was part of a broader effort to combat corruption and uphold accountability in the government, with its name derived from the Filipino words meaning “pillar of the nation.” The court has been central to high-profile trials, including those against former President Joseph Estrada and other officials, reinforcing its role in the country’s anti-corruption framework.
Sandiganbayan Sixth Division
The Sandiganbayan Sixth Division is one of the specialized divisions within the Sandiganbayan, the Philippine anti-graft court established in 1978 under Presidential Decree No. 1486. This division, like others in the court, handles high-profile criminal cases involving public officials accused of corruption and other offenses. It gained notable attention for presiding over significant cases, including the plunder trial of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Valenzuela
Valenzuela is a highly urbanized city in the northern part of Metro Manila, Philippines. Originally a farming community known as Polo, it was renamed in 1963 after Dr. Pío Valenzuela, a key figure in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. Today, it is a major residential and industrial hub, known for its rapid development and historical landmarks like the Valenzuela City People’s Park.
