Sandigan orders Jinggoy arrested anew over graft
MANILA, Philippines (Updated 4:29 p.m.) — Sen. Jinggoy Estrada was once again ordered arrested by the Sandiganbayan over graft charges.
The anti-graft court’s 2nd Division issued the arrest warrant on Friday, May 29, against Estrada and former Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan, both facing graft charges before the division.
Estrada is also facing a separate plunder case over alleged P573 million in kickbacks from infrastructure projects.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said on May 28 that the Ombudsman recommended no bail for the plunder charges against Estrada.
However, graft is a bailable offense under Philippine law, with bail set at P90,000.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Friday, Estrada said he is personally posting bail in connection with the arrest warrant issued by the Sandiganbayan’s Second Division.
"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.
He denied the allegations against him, calling them baseless and without truth.
"Mariin kong itinatanggi ang mga paratang laban sa akin. Ang mga ito ay walang batayan at walang bahid ng katotohanan," he said.
(I strongly deny the allegations against me. They are baseless and have no truth to them.)
"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.
Estrada said he is hopeful of fair treatment and due process in the proceedings.
“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. — Kristine Daguno-Bersamina
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