ICI requests immigration lookout bulletin vs. Romualdez, Escudero, others

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) asked Wednesday the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, three senators, and other personalities over the flood control projects controversy.

Aside from Romualdez, ICI Chairman Andres Reyes requested an ILBO for the following individuals: 

• Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero
• Senator Jinggoy Estrada
• Senator Joel Villanueva
• Former Senator Bong Revilla
• Mayor Nancy Binay
• COA Commissioner Mario Lipana
• Marilou Laurio-Lipana 
• Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar
• Carlene Villa
• Maynard Ngu
• Cong. Roman Romulo
• Cong. James "Jojo" Ang
• Cong. Patrick Michael "PM" Vargas
• Cong. Juan Carlos "Arjo" Atayde
• Cong. Nicanor "Nikki" Briones
• Cong. Marcelino "Marcy" Teodoro
• Cong. Florida "Rida" Robes
• Congr. Eleandro Jesus Madrona
• Congr. Benjamin "Benjie" Agarao
• Former Cong. Florencio Gabriel "Bem" Noel
• Cong. Leaody "Ode" Tarriela
• Cong. Reynante "Reynan" Arogancia
• Former Cong. Marvin Rillo
• Cong. Teodorico "Teodoro" Haresco Jr.
• Cong. Antonieta Eudela
• Cong. Dean Assistio
• Cong. Marivic Co-Pilar 
• District Engr. Loida Busa
• "Bogs" Magalong
• District Engr. Ramon Devanadera 
• District Engr. Johnny Protesta Jr.
• District Engr. Arturo Gonzales Jr.

Reyes said these individuals are linked to non-existent or "ghost" projects, or the substandard implementation of flood control projects.

"The timely issuance of an ILBO is of utmost necessity to enable the Commission to proceed without delay and to hold those liable accountable to the Filipino people," he said in the letter.

"In addition to the issuance of the ILBO, may we further request that the Bureau of Immigration be instructed to immediately inform the Commission and other law enforcement agencies of any information regarding the impending travel of the subjects," he added.

In a message to reporters, DOJ spokesman Mico Clavano said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has signed the ILBO for all the officials requested by the ICI.

GMA News Online has been reaching out to the personalities included in the ICI's request to for ILBO.

Estrada shrugged off the ILBO, stressing that he has no intention of leaving the country even though his named has been dragged into the flood control scandal.

"Eh kung yung unang mga kaso ko na plunder, hinarap ko at hindi ako tumakas, ngayon pa ba na wala ni katiting na ebidensya laban sa akin. May HDO pa rin naman ako eh. Tuwing aalis ako ng bansa nagpapa-alam pa rin ako sa sandiganbayan," Estrada said in an online message.

(I faced my plunder case and did not leave the country. Why would I do it now when there isn't a shred of evidence against me? There's also a hold departure order against me. I have to get permission from the Sandiganbayan every time I leave the country.)

DOJ officials previously said that an ILBO directs Immigration employees to inform law enforcement agencies regarding the whereabouts of the individuals named in the order. It does not prevent any individual from leaving the country.

Romualdez, Escudero, Estrada, Villanueva, Revilla, Binay, as well as several incumbent and former congressmen are among the personalities who have denied involvement in relation to anomalous flood control projects. — VDV, GMA Integrated News