The Sandiganbayan Second Division has ordered the 90-day preventive suspension of Senator Jinggoy Estrada starting June 16 in connection with his graft case tied to an alleged flood control kickback scheme.
In a resolution issued on Tuesday, the anti-graft court directed Estrada’s temporary removal from public office while proceedings continue, citing legal provisions under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
The court emphasized that incumbent officials facing valid criminal informations may be suspended to safeguard the integrity of the case.
The Sandiganbayan noted in its ruling that Estrada is facing multiple charges, including graft and plunder, over allegations linked to irregularities in infrastructure projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The cases stem from accusations involving alleged kickbacks and fund insertions tied to flood control programs.
A portion of the resolution stated that the court “orders the suspension pendente lite of accused Senator Jose ‘Jinggoy’ P. Ejercito Estrada from his present position as Senator.”
Estrada was earlier charged by the Office of the Ombudsman on May 28, followed by his arrest order issued by the Sandiganbayan on May 29 and June 1.
He has been detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas since June 1.
Prosecutors have alleged that the scheme involved an “intricate mechanism” of budget insertions and project allocations, with funds reportedly funneled into selected projects in exchange for commission fees.
The Ombudsman earlier said the alleged illicit payouts reached more than P573 million.
The Sandiganbayan also previously entered a not guilty plea on Estrada’s behalf after he declined to personally enter a plea on his graft charge.
He is set to face further arraignment on June 30 for his remaining cases before another division of the court.
Photo courtesy of Inquirer.net
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