A plunder complaint worth 586 million pesos has been filed against Chiz Escudero over a flood control project issue.

In Escudero’s counter-affidavit filed last Friday, the Field Investigation Office of the Ombudsman recommended on April 16 the filing of plunder, graft, and indirect bribery charges against the senator.

The Ombudsman FIO alleged that Escudero had “indirectly received kickbacks of P306 million and P280 million” from various flood control projects.

The complaint based its findings on the testimonies of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.

The alleged kickbacks were collected by Maynard Ngu, who is Escudero’s friend, campaign contributor, and alleged bagman, it said.

“In February 2024, Usec. Bernardo, together with his driver Francisco A. Dela Fuente, allegedly delivered P306 million to Mr. Ngu at his office in Cherry Mobile Building, Manila,” the document read.

There were two other deliveries in the early part of 2025, P160 million and P120 million, both received by Ngu allegedly on Escudero’s behalf.

“The alleged projects from which kickbacks were allegedly sourced are located in Caloocan City, Muntinlupa City, Quezon City, Valenzuela City, Aklan, Albay, Batangas, Bohol, Camarines Sur, Capiz, Cebu, Eastern Samar, Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, Subic, and Zambales,” the document read.

Escudero denied the allegations, saying he did not authorize Ngu to act on his behalf and the complaint did not show proof that he had received the money.

“I did not authorize Maynard Ngu … to act on my behalf, and there is no evidence that I ever did… Complainant’s basis for my supposed receipt of both the P306 million and P280 million is merely the alleged representations of Mr. Ngu that he supposedly received the said amount on my behalf. The complainant completely failed to present proof of the multiple circumstances that would have proven my supposed receipt of the P 306 million and P 280 million,” Escudero said.

Escudero also said that Bernardo “presented different, evolving, and materially inconsistent allegations.”

He noted that Bernardo did not mention the alleged P306 million kickback in the first three affidavits submitted to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

“The most glaring inconsistency is the change of amount involved. There is a complete absence of the alleged P306 million delivery … It appeared for the first time only in his affidavit dated 13 March 2026—submitted after the Ombudsman’s motu proprio investigation had already commenced,” he said.

Escudero asked the Ombudsman to deny the application to grant immunity to Bernardo and three other individuals, saying the former DPWH official is the “most guilty.”

“Usec. Bernardo appears to be the most guilty among the individuals implicated in the flood control scandal… He was the main point of contact, and he engaged directly with every other individual identified as alleged conspirators in the complaint,” he said.

“Why would I, as ‘master plunderer,’ only receive P586 million in kickbacks whereas Usec. Bernardo received over P1 billion in kickbacks, as he admitted under oath,” Escudero said.

Bernardo’s side is still being sought.

The Ombudsman will determine whether to prosecute Escudero before the Sandiganbayan.

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Office of the Ombudsman

The Office of the Ombudsman is an independent government agency that investigates complaints against public officials and government agencies

Cherry Mobile Building, Manila

The Cherry Mobile Building in Manila serves as the headquarters for Cherry Mobile, one of the Philippines’ most popular homegrown mobile phone brands. Founded in 2002, the company gained prominence by offering affordable and feature-rich smartphones and gadgets, helping to bridge the digital divide in the country. The building itself stands as a symbol of the brand’s success and its significant role in the local consumer electronics market.

Caloocan City

Caloocan City is a highly urbanized city in Metro Manila, Philippines, known for its significant role in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. It is home to the Monumento Circle, which features the towering statue of the national hero Andrés Bonifacio, commemorating the Cry of Pugad Lawin that sparked the revolution. Today, Caloocan is a densely populated residential and industrial hub, divided into two distinct areas: the southern part closely linked to Manila and the northern part bordering Quezon City.

Muntinlupa City

Muntinlupa City, located in the National Capital Region of the Philippines, is historically known as the site of the New Bilibid Prison, the country’s main penitentiary established in 1940. Originally a quiet agricultural area, it rapidly urbanized in the late 20th century and is now a key commercial and residential hub, home to the Alabang business district and popular shopping centers. Its name is believed to derive from the Tagalog phrase “Munting Lupa,” meaning “small land,” reflecting its early history as a small settlement.

Quezon City

Quezon City, located in the Philippines, was established in 1939 as the country’s capital, a title it held until 1976 when Manila regained it. Named after President Manuel L. Quezon, it was designed to replace Manila as the seat of government. Today, it remains the largest city in Metro Manila by population and land area, serving as a major hub for culture, education, and entertainment.

Valenzuela City

Valenzuela City is a highly urbanized city in the northern part of Metro Manila, Philippines. Originally a town established in the 17th century, it was named after the Filipino patriot Dr. Pío Valenzuela, a key figure in the Katipunan revolutionary society. Today, it is known for its rich history, industrial growth, and notable landmarks such as the Valenzuela City People’s Park and the historic Polo Church.

Aklan

Aklan is a province in the Philippines, best known as the home of Boracay Island, a world-famous tourist destination. Historically, it is significant as the site of the 1897 Battle of Aklan, a key event in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. The province is also renowned for the Ati-Atihan Festival, a vibrant cultural celebration honoring the Santo Niño.

Albay

Albay is a province in the Philippines best known for the iconic Mayon Volcano, renowned for its near-perfect conical shape. Historically, the region was a thriving pre-colonial settlement before Spanish colonizers arrived in the 16th century, establishing it as a key administrative and trade center. Today, Albay is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and resilient communities that have rebuilt after numerous volcanic eruptions.

Batangas

Batangas is a province in the Philippines known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and natural attractions like Taal Volcano. During the Spanish colonial period, it became a key center for trade and religious missions, with many heritage churches and ancestral houses still standing today. It is also famous for its local delicacies such as *lomi* and *kapeng barako*, as well as its lively festivals like the Parada ng Lechon.