MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero to respond to allegations linking him to the alleged flood control mess, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said.

In a media repot, it said that in a Super Radyo dzBB interview, Clavano said the case against Escudero is now in the preliminary investigation stage, with the senator directed to submit a counter-affidavit.

“‘Yung kay Senator Chiz Escudero ay nasa preliminary investigation stage na po. There was an order to submit counter affidavit, na-receive ng opisina ni Chiz Escudero,” Clavano said.

“I believe ‘yung panel po natin ay naghihintay na lang sa kanyang counter affidavit para umusad na po,” he added.

Clavano said the Ombudsman is awaiting Escudero’s response before proceeding to the next stage of the investigation.

He also said that a separate probe involving Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez in connection with alleged flood control irregularities is also under preliminary investigation, particularly a money laundering case.

“The one that has reached preliminary investigation involving Congressman Romualdez is the money laundering case,” Clavano said.

Both Escudero and Romualdez have previously denied any involvement in anomalous flood control projects.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier said the office is building criminal cases against both lawmakers.

Since Remulla assumed office in October 2025, the Ombudsman has filed three batches of flood control-related cases, including charges of malversation and graft against several former and current officials and private contractors over alleged ghost and substandard infrastructure projects in various provinces.