Jinggoy seeks furlough to vote in San Juan

MANILA, Philippines - Detained Sen. Jinggoy Estrada has asked the Sandiganbayan to allow him to cast his vote in San Juan City on May 9.

In a motion filed before the anti-graft court’s Fifth Division, Estrada requested for a two-hour furlough to vote at the polling precinct at Xavier School.

“It is every citizen’s constitutional right to vote,” Estrada’s motion read.

He asked the Sandiganbayan to allow him to leave the Philippine National Police Custodial Center at Camp Crame from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Estrada is on trial for plunder in connection with the pork barrel scam.

The senator’s daughter, Janella Ejercito Estrada, is running for San Juan vice mayor.

Estrada also asked that he be allowed to undergo a medical checkup at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center or University of Santo Tomas Hospital.

Estrada’s lawyers said he needs to undergo an MRI and X-ray procedures on his right shoulder as recommended by his doctor.

Sen. Ramon Revilla, who is also facing plunder raps in connection with the pork barrel scam, filed a similar petition last week.

Revilla asked Sandiganbayan magistrates to allow him to vote in Bacoor, Cavite.

Earlier, former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo asked the anti-graft court to allow her to leave the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City and let her vote in Lubao, Pampanga.

Arroyo is facing plunder charges for her alleged involvement in the misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office funds.