Jinggoy Estrada joins Senate race anew

MANILA, Philippines (Update 2, 12:59 p.m.) — Former Sen. Jinggoy Estrada has declared his candidacy to reclaim his Senate seat in next year's mid-term elections.

He submitted his certificate of candidacy on Tuesday at the main office of the Commission on Elections and was accompanied by his father, former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada.

Estrada is running for senator under his father's political party, Puwersa ng Masa Pilipino.

Jinggoy Estrada seeks a Senate comeback. He is running under his father’s party, Puwersa ng Masa Pilipino. “I never abandoned my father’s party.” @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/TdGwPYUcPb

— Rosette Adel (@rosette_adel) October 16, 2018

Estrada was released on bail in September last year after being detained for more than three years over his alleged role in the pork barrel scam.  

In 2001, the former senator was jailed for plunder and graft charges and was released in 2003. He immediately ran for Senate in 2004. He was acquitted in 2007 and ran again in 2010, when he won.

He and former senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. were the top government officials charged in connection with the pork barrel scam.

Estrada placed sixth in the pre-senatorial election survey released by Pulse Asia last month.