Sandiganbayan Issues Arrest Warrant Against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada Over Plunder Case

MANILA — The Sandiganbayan Second Division on Friday issued a warrant of arrest against Senator Jinggoy Estrada in connection with a plunder case linked to the alleged flood control scandal.

Aside from Estrada, arrest warrants and hold departure orders were also issued against former Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan and several former DPWH officials from Metro Manila.

Estrada was implicated in the controversy after former DPWH-Bulacan District Engineer Brice Hernandez accused him of receiving kickbacks from flood control projects. The senator has denied the allegation.

Also named as respondents in the case were former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan and local engineering officials from the National Capital Region, including Engr. Denryl Cortuna, Engr. Arturo Gonzales Jr., and Engr. Manny Bulosan.

Following the issuance of the warrant, the Department of the Interior and Local Government said Estrada’s options were to surrender or face arrest.

Estrada, for his part, said Thursday that he would “exhaust all legal remedies.” He cited a letter from the Senate Legislative Budget Research and Monitoring Office, which he said stated that there was no record showing he made any budget insertion. According to Estrada, this was “set aside.”

The senator also claimed that legal cases against members of the Senate majority bloc appeared to move faster after a recent change in Senate leadership.

“As I have said before, if this is the price that I have to pay for standing by my principles and for what I believe in, then so be it. Ipagpapatuloy ko ang paghahanap ng katotohanan at ang pagtatanggol sa aking pangalan sa tamang forum at alinsunod sa batas,” Estrada said.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano acknowledged the certificate issued by the LBRMO but said it did not reflect the entire budgetary process. He noted that budget insertions may be made through a layered process.

This marks the third time Estrada has faced plunder charges.

Estrada was previously acquitted of plunder in connection with the Priority Development Assistance Fund scam. He was also initially convicted of bribery and indirect bribery but was later cleared by the court due to lack of evidence. However, the senator is still facing graft charges related to the PDAF controversy.

More details are expected to follow as the case develops.