Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday guaranteed that Senator Jinggoy Estrada and his co-accused will not receive any VIP treatment following their arrest and surrender over an alleged ₱573-million flood control corruption scandal.
Speaking to reporters at Camp Crame, Remulla emphasized that all five individuals named in the arrest warrant will go through the standard operating procedures mandated for anyone placed under police custody.
“Wala talaga. Same as the others who have been co-accused. Depende kung saan sasabihin ng Sandigan. They will be dealt fairly, equally. No special privileges,” Remulla said.
The anti-graft court Sandiganbayan ordered the arrest of Estrada, former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, and former DPWH officials Manny Bulusan, Arturo Gonzales, and Denryl Caesar Cortuna on plunder charges connected to the multi-million pesos scandal.
By Monday afternoon, all five individuals were officially in government custody. Remulla noted that Estrada was already read his Miranda rights prior to the press briefing.
The DILG chief clarified that Estrada will not be given access to air-conditioned cells, gourmet meals, or special lodging. His daily routine and living conditions will mirror those of any regular detainee, meaning mobile phones are strictly banned, and visitations will strictly adhere to designated schedules.
Estrada, accompanied by a co-accused DPWH official, appeared before the Sandiganbayan for the formal return of the arrest warrant.
Meanwhile, Bonoan turned himself in to the police but was later transferred to the Philippine National Police General Hospital inside Camp Crame after his blood pressure spiked during processing.
Remulla confirmed that the former DPWH chief is now under hospital arrest.
“There is a baseline for good health kasi nakalagay condition of reasonable health. So kapag bumaba, mag-stabilize ang blood pressure niya, magre-return of warrant na sa Fifth Division,” he said.
Bonoan will stay under medical supervision until doctors clear him, at which point he will be presented before the Sandiganbayan.
Remulla concluded that the anti-graft court now holds legal custody over the accused, while the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) will manage their detention.
Any adjustments, such as prolonged hospital stays or facility transfers, must be formally approved by the court.