Ombudsman inspects vacated office of Senator Estrada as furniture, fixtures reportedly removed

The Office of the Ombudsman sent representatives to inspect Senator Jinggoy Estrada’s former Senate office following reports that its furnishings, electrical sockets, and tiles among others had been removed.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said the anti-graft agency had sought permission from him to inspect the office, which was reportedly left bare, with its furniture and electrical wiring removed.

“They sent me a letter asking permission to inspect. We can look at the records of this issue. They can also obtain documents. They did not say what their purpose was. It is obvious, the Ombudsman,” Gatchalian said.

“My instruction to the secretary was to extend our cooperation, assist them with their needs, and be truthful and honest with the documents,” Gatchalian said.

He added that the Senate also cooperated with other government agencies, including the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation.

Gatchalian said the Senate’s Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms assisted the Ombudsman representatives during their inspection of the facility and office.

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) also inspected the office a few days earlier after seeing photographs of its condition, Gatchalian said.

He said the GSIS was concerned about the office’s structural integrity because the property belonged to the state insurance agency.

Asked about the condition in which Estrada’s office was left, Gatchalian said he was disappointed, noting that the incoming occupant, former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, would need considerable time to renovate the space.

He said the Senate would help facilitate the renovation but stressed that proper coordination could have prevented delays in Sotto’s transfer and additional government expenses.