MANILA, Philippines — Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada was detained Monday after surrendering to authorities following a court order linked to a high-profile graft case that triggered widespread anti-corruption protests last year.
The anti-graft court ordered Estrada’s arrest on charges of plunder, a non-bailable offense under Philippine law. The Office of the Ombudsman had earlier charged the senator with allegedly receiving illicit kickbacks amounting to ₱573 million in connection with a corruption scandal involving public infrastructure projects.
Estrada, son of former President Joseph Estrada, was brought to a detention facility in Quezon City, where he will remain in custody pending trial.
Several co-accused individuals, including former public works minister Manuel Bonoan, were also taken into custody as part of the same case.
Speaking to reporters at the Senate before his surrender, Estrada said he would face the allegations in court and would not seek protection from arrest through the legislative institution.
“I am ready to defend myself before the court and I will not hide behind the institution to evade the process,” Estrada said.
The senator had posted bail last week in connection with a separate case.
The corruption controversy, linked to allegedly flawed flood-control projects across the country, fueled large-scale anti-corruption demonstrations in Manila last year and contributed to uncertainty that weighed on economic activity in recent quarters.
Estrada has previously faced imprisonment on corruption-related cases. His father, former President Joseph Estrada, became the first Philippine president convicted of plunder before later receiving executive clemency from his successor, former President Gloria Arroyo, allowing his return to public life.
Authorities have yet to announce the timetable for court proceedings in the plunder case.
Editor’s Note: This report is prepared for international distribution and includes material sourced from wire reporting, including Reuters.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
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- Venus L Peñaflor
