Sandigan allows Jinggoy to vote

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan has granted detained Sen. Jinggoy Estrada’s request for a two-hour furlough that would allow him to vote in San Juan on Monday.

The anti-graft court took judicial notice of a Supreme Court (SC) decision allowing Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to vote in her home province, said Ma. Teresa Pabulayan, Fifth Division clerk of court.

Estrada will be allowed to leave the Philippine National Police custodial center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 9 to cast his vote in Xavier School in San Juan.

He can only vote for national positions because of a temporary restraining order issued by the SC on detainee voting for local positions.

Estrada’s colleague, Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., has filed a similar plea to vote in Bacoor, Cavite but the Sandiganbayan’s First Division has yet to decide on his request.

Estrada and Revilla are on trial for plunder in connection with their alleged involvement in the pork barrel fund scam while Arroyo is under hospital arrest because of a plunder case involving alleged misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office funds.