The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed Monday, February 23, that three additional respondents have been included in the plunder complaint against Senator Jinggoy Estrada and four others over alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
DOJ Spokesperson Polo Martinez said subpoenas have not yet been issued to the newly added respondents, whose identities will remain undisclosed until they formally receive notice.
Estrada and his co-respondents were initially set to submit their counter-affidavits on February 23.
However, the panel of prosecutors granted an extension until March 9, 2026, after the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed a motion seeking to include more respondents in the complaint.
Estrada’s original co-respondents are former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, former Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, Regional Director Gerard Opulencia, and former Bulacan First District Engineer Henry Alcantara.
On February 10, Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 52 issued a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) against the five respondents, barring them from leaving the country.
As no formal case has yet been filed in court, the DOJ earlier clarified that they must secure permission from the issuing court before traveling abroad.
It remains unclear whether a similar PHDO will be sought for the three newly added respondents.