In a significant escalation of anti-corruption measures, Philippine immigration authorities have imposed travel restrictions on Senator Jinggoy Estrada, former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, and three other government officials. The Bureau of Immigration confirmed these prominent figures have been placed on its watchlist as they face serious allegations of graft involving flood control infrastructure projects.
Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval stated the travel ban implements a precautionary measure ordered by a Manila court, with border personnel nationwide instructed to prevent the officials from leaving the country. The individuals are classified as ‘flight risks’ during ongoing investigations into corruption practices that have rocked the administration.
The barred officials must now obtain judicial authorization for any international travel. Bonoan has already sought permission to visit his wife receiving medical treatment in the United States. The group faces multiple charges including plunder, violations of anti-graft legislation, direct bribery, and corruption involving hundreds of billions of pesos.
This development marks another chapter in Senator Estrada’s lengthy history with corruption allegations. The veteran politician previously faced embezzlement charges in 2014 involving 183 million pesos from his legislative funds. He was also arrested alongside his father, former President Joseph Estrada, in 2001 for plunder amounting to 4.1 billion pesos, though those charges were eventually dismissed. Estrada maintains his innocence regarding all corruption allegations.