Ombudsman files plunder, graft raps vs Jinggoy Estrada
MANILA, Philippines (Updated 4:36 p.m.) — The Office of the Ombudsman has officially filed plunder and graft charges against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada.
The Ombudsman, through Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano, filed the charges against Estrada before the anti-graft court on Thursday, May 28.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla first revealed on May 26 that the office would file criminal charges against Estrada.
In a press briefing on Thursday, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the office did not recommend bail for the respondents.
“The cases stem from an intricate mechanism involving illegal budgetary insertions and project allocations within the DPWH infrastructure portfolio for fiscal year 2025,” Clavano said.
“Our evaluation shows that substantial public funds were deliberately funneled into designated infrastructure projects in exchange for predetermined commission fees or kickbacks,” he added.
Clavano added that the office also requested a hold departure order against Estrada and the other accused.
“Likewise, the office will pursue hold departure orders for the respondents so as to preserve the integrity of the case in court,” Clavano said.
The cases against Estrada stemmed from the recommendation of the Department of Justice (DOJ), which conducted a preliminary investigation triggered by the criminal complaint lodged by the National Bureau of Investigation-DOJ Public Works and Bid-Rigging Task Force.
In its resolution, the DOJ recommended the filing of plunder charges under Republic Act 7080, as well as graft charges under Sections 3(b) and 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
The DOJ also recommended charges for direct bribery and receiving gifts by public officers under Article 210 of the Revised Penal Code, as well as corruption of public officials under Article 212 against complicit private individuals and entities.
Prosecutors also alleged that Estrada, several former public works officials, and private contractors manipulated budget allocations and public bidding to divert public funds.
Aside from Estrada, other respondents in the charges are former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, former Usec. Roberto Bernardo, Gerard Opulencia, Henry Alcantara, Bong Dinglasan, Denryl Caesar Cortuna, Manny Bulusan, Arturo Gonzales, and several Jane and John Does.
Estrada is currently on bail on graft charges against him over the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).
If charged with plunder, however, he may be detained again like his friend, former senator Bong Revilla, as plunder, under the law, is not bailable.
He was also previously acquitted in January 2024 by the anti-graft court of direct and indirect bribery after being cleared of a plunder charge. He was then acquitted of bribery charges in August 2024.
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