MANILA, Philippines—The Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 52 on Monday released a “precautionary hold departure order” against Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, former Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan, and three others in connection with a plunder and graft case linked to the anomalous flood control scandal.
In the ruling, the court said there is probable cause to believe that the five respondents—which includes Roberto Bernardo, Henry Alcantara, and Gerard Opulencia—may attempt to leave the country to evade prosecution.
The court directed authorities to prevent the respondents from leaving the country while their case is pending.