SENATOR Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada refused to enter a plea Thursday during his arraignment on graft and plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division.
The cases stem from allegations that he received kickbacks totaling ₱573.75 million in connection with infrastructure and flood control projects funded under the 2025 national budget for the National Capital Region, Bulacan, and Occidental Mindoro. By refusing to enter a plea, the court will formally enter a plea of not guilty on his behalf, allowing the proceedings to move forward.
Estrada stands accused alongside three former public works officials: then‑South Manila District Engineering Office chief Manny Bulusan, then‑Quezon City 1st District Engineering Office chief Arturo Gonzales Jr., and then‑North Manila District Engineering Office assistant chief Denryl Caesar Cortuna.
All four were taken into government custody and committed to the New Quezon City Jail in Barangay Payatas last June 1. Bulusan, Gonzales, and Cortuna had already pleaded not guilty to the charges during their arraignment on June 4, while Estrada’s arraignment had been repeatedly delayed by pending motions filed before the anti‑graft court.
An arraignment marks the formal start of criminal proceedings, during which an accused is required to enter a plea of either guilty or not guilty. Estrada’s refusal to enter a plea on Thursday effectively clears the way for the Sandiganbayan to set schedules for pretrial hearings and the trial proper, as the court now proceeds with the case against all four accused persons.
metrosundaily
