The Sandiganbayan Second Division has stood firm on its decision to reject Senator Jinggoy Estrada’s petition to drop his pending graft charges.
In a six-page resolution released on July 10, the anti-graft court ruled that the lawmaker’s second Motion for Reconsideration failed to present new arguments, merely repeating points that the court had previously evaluated and dismissed.
The court turned down Estrada’s claim that the indictments were too vague concerning his purported unlawful actions.
According to the justices, the senator’s comprehensive legal responses and submissions demonstrate that he fully comprehends the nature of the allegations.
“Such extensive refutation belies any claim of uncertainty regarding the accusation he faces,” the Sandiganbayan stated.
Furthermore, the tribunal dismissed Estrada’s argument that his right to due process was compromised during the preliminary investigation. The court emphasized that the senator was given ample opportunity to file a counter-affidavit and answer the complaints.
The resolution also stressed that appealing to the Office of the Ombudsman is not an absolute right but “is merely a privilege,” meaning its absence does not justify throwing out the case or ordering a reinvestigation.
The graft case stems from allegations that Estrada pocketed 25% in kickbacks from flood control initiatives in Bulacan worth ₱855 million. He is concurrently facing a separate, non-bailable plunder charge linked to an estimated ₱573 million in suspected kickbacks from various infrastructure developments in Metro Manila, Oriental Mindoro, and Bulacan.
In connection with the ongoing legal proceedings, the Sandiganbayan had earlier imposed a 90-day preventive suspension on the senator, which took effect on June 22 pursuant to the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.