Immigration Bureau Monitors Officials Under Court Departure Ban
The Bureau of Immigration has officially confirmed that all individuals recently issued a precautionary hold departure order by a Manila court remain within the Philippines. This announcement came directly from Immigration Spokesperson Dana Sandoval during an inquiry by Bombo Radyo, providing clarity on the current status of the named parties.
Confirmed Individuals Under Monitoring
According to Spokesperson Sandoval, based on the bureau's ongoing monitoring and surveillance, the following individuals are still present in the country:
- Senator Jinggoy Estrada
- Former Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan
- Roberto Bernardo
- Henry Alcantara
- Gerard Opulencia
The order was issued by Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 52, which directed the immigration bureau to prevent these individuals from leaving the Philippines. This legal measure stems from their involvement as respondents in a plunder complaint related to an allegedly anomalous flood control project.
Legal Clarifications from the Department of Justice
The Department of Justice has provided important context regarding the hold departure order. Justice Spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez emphasized that this precautionary order does not automatically indicate that the prosecution's hearing on the complaint has concluded.
Martinez explained that the order remains precautionary because the complaint is still pending and has not yet been formally filed as a case in court. Consequently, he clarified that it is more accurate to refer to the officials as respondents rather than accused parties at this stage.
The court's order was issued after determining there was probable cause suggesting the respondents might attempt to flee the country to avoid the legal proceedings. This standard legal assessment ensures that individuals potentially involved in serious cases remain available for the judicial process.
The Bureau of Immigration continues to maintain strict monitoring of all individuals subject to the hold departure order, ensuring compliance with the court's directive while the legal process unfolds.
