MANILA — A Philippine government commission investigating alleged corruption in flood control projects has asked the Justice Department to slap immigration lookout orders on dozens of current and former lawmakers, auditors and officials, aiming to prevent potential flight amid the widening probe.
The Independent Commission on Infrastructure, or ICI, filed the request Wednesday with the Department of Justice, targeting a roster of high-profile figures whose travel would now be closely monitored by immigration officers if approved. The orders, known as ILBOs, alert border agents to flag and potentially halt departures of those named.
The list, spanning incumbents and ex-officials from Congress, the executive branch and beyond, includes former Senate President Francis Escudero and ex-House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada made the cut, alongside former senators Ramon Revilla Jr. and Nancy Binay.
More than a dozen House representatives also drew scrutiny: Roman Romulo, James “Jojo” Ang, Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde, Nicanor “Nikki” Briones, Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro, Florida “Rida” Robes, Eleandro Madrona, Benjamin Agarao, Leody Tarriela, Reynante Arrogancia, Teodorico Haresco Jr., Antonieta Eudela, Dean Asistio and Marivic Co Pilar. Former lawmakers Marvin Rillo and Florencio Noel were similarly flagged.
The dragnet extended to Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario Lipana and his wife, Marilou Laurio-Lipana; Department of Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar; and four Department of Public Works and Highways district engineers: Loida “Bogs” Magalong, Ramon Devanadera, Johnny Protesta Jr. and Arturo Gonzales Jr. Private citizens Carlene Villa and businessman Maynard Ngu rounded out the group.
ICI officials argued the individuals hold “relevant positions that operate to make (them) an inevitable personality during the fact-finding process.” They stressed the urgency, saying in the request that “the timely issuance of an ILBO is of utmost necessity to enable the commission to proceed without delay and to hold those liable accountable to the Filipino people.”
The commission also urged the Bureau of Immigration to tip off ICI and other law enforcement about any travel plans by the subjects, ensuring swift coordination if needed.
The move comes as the Philippines grapples with persistent flooding woes, exacerbated by typhoons and urban sprawl, fueling public outrage over billions in public funds poured into infrastructure meant to safeguard lives and property. Anomalies in these projects — from ghost contracts to shoddy workmanship — have long been a flashpoint for graft watchdogs.
One target, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, fired back swiftly, branding the request “baseless” in a message to reporters via Viber. The veteran politician, no stranger to legal battles, vowed he has “nothing to fear” and no plans to bolt.
“If I faced my previous plunder cases and did not run away, why would I run now when there isn’t even a shred of evidence against me?” Estrada said, dismissing the allegations as “double hearsay.” He noted he remains under a court-issued hold departure order from the anti-graft Sandiganbayan court and routinely seeks permission for any overseas trips.
“Whenever I travel abroad, I still secure permission from the Sandiganbayan,” he added.
The DOJ has yet to respond publicly on whether it will greenlight the ILBOs, but the request underscores the probe’s momentum. With the rainy season looming, pressure mounts on authorities to deliver answers — and accountability — before the next deluge hits. (source: PNA)
