The Department of Justice clarified that Filipinos placed under a precautionary hold departure order cannot freely leave the country without court approval.
Justice Secretary Boying Remulla said in an interview on February 18 that while the Constitution protects a citizen’s right to travel, that liberty may be limited when a court steps in. He emphasized that travel remains a personal right unless there is an active judicial process or order restricting a person’s movement.
He explained that once a PHDO is issued, the individual concerned must first seek authorization from the issuing court before attempting to travel abroad. The order, he said, is typically imposed when authorities believe a respondent could evade legal proceedings.
A PHDO is not a conviction or arrest warrant. It is a provisional measure designed to ensure that individuals facing complaints remain within the jurisdiction of Philippine courts while cases are under review.
The clarification follows developments in the investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects. Former Department of Public Works and Highways secretary Manuel Bonoan had traveled to the United States in November 2025 for his wife’s medical treatment. Although he was expected to return in mid-December, he arrived back in the country in mid-January.
On February 10, the Manila Regional Trial Court issued precautionary hold departure orders against Bonoan, Jinggoy Estrada, former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, and former district engineers Henry Alcantara and Gerard Opulencia.
The complaints cited in the court order include alleged violations of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, plunder under Republic Act No. 7080, and direct bribery and corruption of public officials.
Remulla maintained that the restriction is grounded on judicial authority and aimed at preserving the integrity of ongoing proceedings.
