MANILA — A Manila Regional Trial Court has issued a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) against Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada and four co-respondents in a plunder complaint now under preliminary investigation at the Department of Justice (DOJ).

DOJ spokesperson Prosecution Attorney Raphael Niccolo L. Martinez said on Monday, February 16, that Branch 52 of the Manila RTC granted the petition of a panel of prosecutors on February 10, 2026. The order covers Estrada, former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan, former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, DPWH Regional Director Gerard Opulencia, and former DPWH Bulacan First District engineer Henry Alcantara.

The court “found probable cause to believe that the respondents will depart from the Philippines to evade arrest,” Martinez said. It also directed the Bureau of Immigration commissioner to hold the departure of the five individuals and include them in the hold departure list.

The respondents are facing a plunder charge linked to alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

Martinez explained that hold departure orders (HDOs) are typically issued once charges are filed in court to prevent the accused from leaving the country. In cases still under preliminary investigation, prosecutors may request a precautionary HDO to ensure respondents remain within the Philippines while the case is being reviewed.