Jinggoy Estrada Posts ₱90,000 Bail for Graft Case

Senator Jinggoy Estrada posted ₱90,000 bail for his graft case in the Sandiganbayan just a day after an arrest warrant was issued against him. The case stems from allegations of anomalies in Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects.

Estrada, a prominent figure in the Philippine Senate, is accused of graft and plunder in connection with the DPWH projects. The Office of the Ombudsman says the anomalies involved illegal budgetary insertions and project allocations within the DPWH infrastructure portfolio for fiscal year 2025.

The graft and non-bailable plunder case against Estrada and former DPWH chief Manuel Bonoan was handled by the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division. Three former DPWH officials are named as respondents in the two cases handled by this anti-graft court division.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano, who went to the anti-graft court on Thursday, said the plunder and graft cases against Estrada and co-accused came from an intricate mechanism involving illegal budgetary insertions and project allocations within the DPWH infrastructure portfolio for fiscal year 2025.

Estrada said in a statement, "I respect the rule of law and our judicial institutions, and that's precisely why I'm posting bail and personally submitting myself to the jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan."

The anti-graft court's Second Division issued a hold departure order against Estrada and Bonoan. An arrest warrant was issued the day after the Office of the Ombudsman filed graft and plunder charges against them.

Estrada stated, "I deny the accusations against me, and I hope for fair treatment, due process, and impartiality in the hearing of this case. I trust that in the end, justice and truth will prevail."

Key Facts

  • ₱90,000 bail posted by Senator Jinggoy Estrada, which was paid in cash at the Sandiganbayan.
  • The graft and plunder case is being handled by the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division.
  • Three former DPWH officials are named as respondents in the cases filed by the Office of the Ombudsman.
  • Estrada and Bonoan have been issued with hold departure orders.
  • The Office of the Ombudsman has filed graft and plunder charges against Estrada and Bonoan, which stemmed from illegal budgetary insertions and project allocations within the DPWH infrastructure portfolio for fiscal year 2025.