Jinggoy Estrada’s Japan & Europe Trip Halted by Government
JINGGOY ESTRADA – Just days before his scheduled trip, Senator Jinggoy Estrada faced a major setback when the Sandiganbayan was urged to deny his holiday travel request.
Government prosecutors have moved to block Senator Jinggoy Estrada’s bid to travel overseas during the Christmas and New Year break, pointing to his ongoing legal battles.
At a recent Sandiganbayan session, prosecutors highlighted that Estrada still faces a pending graft case and is also among those linked to alleged irregularities in flood-control projects. Due to these unresolved matters, they urged the anti-graft court to reject his request to leave the country.
Based on documents submitted during the hearing, Estrada is asking to fly to Japan from December 26 to 31. He has also requested permission to go to Norway, Iceland, and Austria from January 5 to 15 next year. He explained that the trips were for personal purposes and had been planned, with details already listed in his itinerary.
Estrada joined the proceedings through video conferencing.
Associate Justice Gener Gito directed the senator to provide all necessary documents related to his proposed travel, such as his complete itinerary, hotel reservations, and travel authority. The court noted that these requirements must be fulfilled before his request can be evaluated, particularly in light of his pending cases.
During the hearing, Estrada refuted the allegations made by former DPWH–Bulacan 1st District Engineer Henry Alcantara, who alleged that the senator received a “kickback” from flood-control projects in Bulacan. Estrada asserted that the claims were unfounded and reiterated that he had no role in any questionable dealings tied to the projects.
Prosecutors maintained that granting Estrada permission to leave the country while his cases remain active may present risks, such as the chance of flight. They emphasized that the judiciary typically enforces strict conditions on public officials with active charges, especially when foreign travel is involved.
The Sandiganbayan has not yet issued a decision on Estrada’s travel motion. Until the court resolves, the senator’s scheduled trips to Japan and several European countries remain in limbo.
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