Senator Estrada weighs legal options after Sandiganbayan clears former DPWH chief as his co-accused

Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Tuesday vowed to explore all available legal remedies after the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division allowed former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan to be dropped as a co-accused in his plunder and graft cases.

While respecting the court’s decision, Estrada maintained that his defense team would pursue every option to challenge the ruling.

“While I respect the decision of the Sandiganbayan, I wish to emphasize that there remain legal remedies available to me under our judicial system, which my legal team will carefully study and pursue at the appropriate time,” Estrada said in a statement. “I intend to avail myself of all remedies provided under our laws.”

Expressing continued trust in the judicial process, the senator said he remains focused on clearing his name.

“My faith in our judicial system remains firm. I will continue to stand by the truth and pursue every lawful means available to protect my rights and clear my name and honor,” he added.

In a 2–1 vote, the Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division granted the Ombudsman’s motion to drop Bonoan, citing the agency’s “prosecutorial discretion” to determine who among the accused can serve as a state witness.

Bonoan was originally charged alongside Estrada and three others in May for allegedly conspiring to collect over ₱500 million in kickbacks from flood control projects.

In June, the anti-graft body moved to exclude Bonoan after he expressed willingness to cooperate with investigators. The Ombudsman described his testimony as crucial to uncovering the alleged kickback scheme behind the anomalous flood control initiatives.

-Paraluman News