Precautionary hold departure orders vs Jinggoy, Bonoan, others issuedComposite image: Sen. Jinggoy Estrada as seen in January 2025 and former DPWH chief Manuel Bonoan. MANILA, Philippines — A Manila Regional Trial Court has issued a precautionary hold departure order (HDO) against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and several former Public Works officials in connection with alleged anomalous flood control projects in Bulacan. With the issuance of the precautionary HDO, however, he may no longer leave the country without court authorization. A hold departure order is issued by a court to prevent a respondent from leaving the Philippines while a case is pending. Martinez said the directive is considered precautionary because the complaints have yet to be formally filed in court and remain under preliminary investigation.

Source: Philippine Star February 16, 2026 14:53 UTC