Senator Francis Escudero was ordered to submit his counter-affidavit related to his alleged involvement in the flood control mess, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said on Thursday.

In a radio interview, Clavano said the inquiry against Escudero has reached the "preliminary investigation stage."

"For Senator Escudero, it has reached the preliminary investigation stage. He has been ordered to submit a counter affidavit," he said.

"I believe our panel is waiting for his counter-affidavit for the probe to move forward," he added.

Clavano said the probe against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez also reached the stage of preliminary investigation.

"The first one that has reached preliminary investigation involving Congressman Romualdez are the money laundering cases," he stressed.

Last Monday, the Office of the Ombudsman received the recommendation from the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the filing of plunder, direct bribery and graft charges against Senator Jinggoy Estrada, former Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan and others who allegedly involved in the flood control controversy.

The Office of the Ombudsman is expected to conduct its own independent review and resolution on the merits of their cases. Robina Asido/PHS