Senator Jinggoy Estrada posts bail over graft charges

Senator Jinggoy Estrada said on Friday, May 29, that he will be posting bail, describing it as a legal remedy available to him under the justice system as he faces graft and plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan.

Estrada made the statement ahead of his appearance before the anti-graft court, where he is set to post bail in connection with an arrest warrant issued by the Sandiganbayan Second Division over a graft case tied to alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

“I am personally posting bail before the Sandiganbayan in relation to the arrest warrant issued by its Second Division,” Estrada said in a statement.

He stressed that his decision to post bail is part of his legal rights as a respondent in the case.

“Posting bail is a legal remedy available to me under our justice system, and I intend to avail myself of every lawful means to defend myself and clear my name,” he said.

Estrada also reiterated his denial of the allegations, insisting that the accusations against him are unfounded.

“I respect the rule of law and our judicial institutions, and this is precisely why I am posting bail and personally submitting myself to the jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan,” he added.

He likewise expressed hope that he would be treated fairly during the proceedings and that due process would be observed.

“Umaasa ako sa patas na pagtrato, due process, at pagiging walang kinikilingan sa pagdinig ng kasong ito. Nagtitiwala ako na sa huli, mananaig ang hustisya at ang katotohanan."

Estrada is facing plunder and graft complaints before the Sandiganbayan in relation to alleged illegal budget insertions and over ₱573 million in supposed illicit payouts tied to infrastructure and flood control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) Fiscal Year 2025 budget.

He and former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan are facing two counts of graft, with one case assigned to the Sandiganbayan Second Division and another to the Fifth Division. The plunder case involving multiple respondents has also been raffled to the Fifth Division.

-Paraluman News