Manila: The Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) has formally requested the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue immigration lookout bulletin orders (ILBO) targeting several individuals linked to the investigation of anomalies in flood control projects.

According to Philippines News Agency, the ILBO, a directive that requires immigration officers to closely monitor the travel of specific individuals, has been sought for various current and former government officials, including former Senate President Francis Escudero and former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. Also named were Senators Joel Villanueva, Jinggoy Estrada, and former senators Ramon Revilla Jr. and Nancy Binay.

The list extends to several members of the House of Representatives, including Roman Romulo, James "Jojo" Ang, and Juan Carlos "Arjo" Atayde, among others. It also includes former representatives Marvin Rillo and Florencio Noel, as well as officials from other government bodies and private individuals such as Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario Lipana, his spouse Marilou Laurio-Lipana, and businessman Maynard Ngu.

The ICI emphasized the necessity of the ILBO to ensure the progress of the investigation and to hold accountable those involved. The commission urged the Bureau of Immigration to notify them and other law enforcement agencies of any impending travel plans of the individuals concerned.

In response, Senator Jinggoy Estrada dismissed the ICI's request as unfounded. He stated in a Viber message to Senate reporters that he has consistently faced accusations without evasion. Estrada referred to his previous plunder cases, asserting that he confronted them without fleeing despite the seriousness of the allegations.

He characterized the current allegations as "double hearsay" and noted that he continues to adhere to existing court-imposed travel restrictions, including obtaining permission from the Sandiganbayan before any international travel.