Sandiganbayan OKs Jinggoy’s Hong Kong vacation

MANILA, Philippines — Despite objections from government prosecutors, the Sandiganbayan yesterday granted former senator Jinggoy Estrada’s request that he be allowed to enjoy a weeklong vacation abroad with his family next week.

The anti-graft court’s Fifth Division said the former lawmaker, who is out on bail while on trial for plunder and graft for his alleged involvement in the pork barrel fund scam, may travel to and stay in Hong Kong from Dec. 26 to 31.

Estrada earlier asked the Sandiganbayan for a travel clearance so that he can spend the holidays together with his family.

He said the vacation would also give him “more time to relax and have a rest from the pressure of his everyday concerns before the campaign period,” since he is running again for senator in the May 2019 midterm elections.

Lawyers from the Office of the Ombudsman objected, arguing that granting the travel clearance was neither necessary nor urgent.

Sandiganbayan magistrates, led by Fifth Division chairperson Associate Justice Rafael Lagos, ruled in favor of Estrada, citing that “the right to travel is a constitutional right” and that the former senator was previously allowed to travel abroad.

Magistrates noted that the P2.660-million travel bond previously posted by Estrada “shall continue to guarantee his faithful compliance with the conditions imposed herein.”

The Sandiganbayan said Estrada may only travel to Hong Kong and nowhere else during the period allowed and shall report to the anti-graft court upon his return to the country.