Jinggoy seeks travel permit; DOJ opposes

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Jinggoy Estrada has asked the Sandiganbayan to allow him to travel abroad despite the 11 graft charges filed against him.

Accused of misuse of pork barrel funds, Estrada is seeking permission to travel to Hong Kong, Japan and Macau from March 31 to April 5.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is opposing Estrada’s motion, citing a precautionary hold-departure order issued by a Manila regional trial court over his alleged involvement in anomalous flood control projects.

Estrada is a “flight risk and must not leave the country,” the DOJ said.

Estrada must file tomorrow a counter-affidavit in the plunder complaint filed against him before the DOJ.

Aside from alleged kickbacks sourced from fake livelihood projects exposed in 2013, Estrada is also accused of receiving commissions from flood control projects. –  Ghio Ong