SENATOR Jinggoy Estrada arrived Thursday at the Department of Justice (DOJ) to participate in the preliminary investigation of the plunder complaint filed against him and several others concerning the controversial flood control projects.
Estrada’s presence represents an important turning point in the ongoing legal proceedings related to allegations of corruption involving the projects, which have drawn public and governmental scrutiny.
Estrada’s lawyer and spokesperson, Atty. Bianca Soriano, stated that the senator filed his counter-affidavit to contest allegations of violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, plunder, and bribery. She emphasized that their defense focused on procedural issues, particularly questioning the validity of the complaint affidavit filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which she argued was improperly attached to a letter and did not meet the required standards for criminal case filings.
She also highlighted that they challenged the credibility and admissibility of the evidence presented, asserting that it did not meet the legal threshold necessary for criminal prosecution before the DOJ or the Ombudsman. Additionally, Soriano pointed out that they addressed alleged inconsistencies in the statements of key witnesses Henry Alcantara and Roberto Bernardo, which they believe weaken the case against Estrada and his co-respondents.
Estrada’s co-respondents include former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, former Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, and other former officials involved in the flood control projects.
The DOJ clarified that the complaint does not focus on a single project but involves allegations of acquiring over PHP 50 million in ill-gotten wealth through multiple transactions. Meanwhile, a Manila court has issued a precautionary hold departure order against Estrada and his co-respondents, citing probable cause that they might flee the country to avoid arrest. Despite the charges, Estrada has also requested permission from the Sandiganbayan to travel to Hong Kong, Macau, and Japan from March 31 to April 5.
