Arraignment of Senator Estrada, former DPWH Secretary Bonoan moved to June 4

The Sandiganbayan Second Division on Tuesday (June 2, 2026) postponed the arraignment of Senator Jinggoy Estrada and former Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan in their graft case linked to alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

During the Sandiganbayan hearing, Presiding Justice Geraldine Faith Econg, chairperson of the anti-graft court’s Second Division, reset both the arraignment and pre-trial to June 4 at 1:30 p.m.

“To give full opportunity for all the accused to exercise their procedural rights prior to arraignment, the court decides to reset the arraignment scheduled today to June 4 at 1:30 o’clock in the afternoon,” Econg said.

Estrada’s legal team has filed urgent motions seeking to quash the information, dismiss the case with prejudice, or alternatively suspend proceedings and return the case for reinvestigation and completion of preliminary investigation. These motions were submitted on June 1.

His counsel also requested that Estrada be allowed to attend future hearings via video conferencing instead of appearing in person, citing his duties in the Senate.

Econg said the court saw no objection to the use of video conferencing in general, noting that it is already being adopted in other courts. However, she clarified that the Sandiganbayan cannot decide whether Estrada may participate virtually in Senate sessions.

Meanwhile, Bonoan’s lawyer informed the court that the former public works chief was not ready for arraignment due to his health condition.

Bonoan, who arrived in a wheelchair, was repeatedly attended to by Sandiganbayan medical personnel after experiencing dizziness. His blood pressure was recorded at 160/90 during the proceedings.

He has been confined at the Philippine National Police General Hospital since surrendering on Monday, June 1, following the issuance of a warrant of arrest by the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division in connection with a non-bailable plunder case filed alongside Estrada.

Bonoan’s counsel requested that he be allowed to rest for one week, which the court granted along with the postponement. The arraignment and pre-trial were reset to Thursday afternoon.

-Paraluman News