Manila, Philippines — On Tuesday, the Sandiganbayan heard and approved the petition of the Office of the Ombudsman to issue a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) against Senator Rodante Marcoleta, former congressman Mike Defensor, and two other individuals.
This is in line with the plunder and indirect bribery allegations against the four individuals linked with the P75 million campaign donation Marcoleta received but failed to be declared on his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures.
Under the PHDO, Marcoleta, Defensor, and businessmen Aristotle Viray and Joseph Espiritu are now barred to leave the country while under investigation.
The Bureau of Immigrations then confirmed that they have secured a copy of the PHDO against the four individuals.
BI Spokesperson Dana Sandoval emphasized that they are aware of the order and will immediately inform issuing authorities if the subjects are seen at any international port.
Sandoval added that there are no recent travel activities recorded from the said subjects.
Meanwhile, Defensor opposed the issuance of the PHDO as well as the plunder cases against them.
He argued that the fund was not stolen, nor from corruption so the plunder charges are baseless.
Defensor likewise criticized what he called a new system filing cases on those that fight corruption.
He added that they will not be threatened or discouraged by such acts and will continue their fight against corruption.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News