Sandiganbayan Orders Jinggoy Estrada Arrested Again Over Graft Charges
JINGGOY ESTRADA – A new arrest warrant has been issued against Senator Jinggoy Estrada, reigniting public attention on his ongoing legal battles.
The Sandiganbayan has once again ordered the arrest of Senator Jinggoy Estrada in connection with graft allegations. The anti-graft court’s Second Division released the warrant on Friday, May 29, naming Estrada and former Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan as respondents in the case.
Apart from the graft complaint, Estrada is also facing a separate plunder case involving alleged kickbacks amounting to P573 million linked to infrastructure projects. Earlier, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano confirmed that the Ombudsman recommended that no bail be granted for the plunder charge filed against the senator.
Despite this, graft remains a bailable offense under Philippine law, and the court fixed the bail at P90,000. Following the issuance of the arrest warrant, Estrada released a statement on Facebook announcing that he would personally post bail before the Sandiganbayan.
“I am personally posting bail before the Sandiganbayan in relation to the arrest warrant issued by its Second Division. Posting bail is a legal remedy available to me under our justice system, and I intend to avail myself of every lawful means to defend myself and clear my name,” Estrada said.
The senator firmly denied all accusations against him and maintained that the allegations lack a factual basis.
“Mariin kong itinatanggi ang mga paratang laban sa akin. Ang mga ito ay walang batayan at walang bahid ng katotohanan,” he said.
Estrada also emphasized his respect for the country’s judicial process and institutions.
“I respect the rule of law and our judicial institutions, and this is precisely why I am posting bail and personally submitting myself to the jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan,” he added.
He further expressed confidence that the proceedings would be handled fairly and impartially.
“Umaasa ako sa patas na pagtrato, due process, at pagiging walang kinikilingan sa pagdinig ng kasong ito. Nagtitiwala ako na sa huli, mananaig ang hustisya at ang katotohanan,” he said.
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