Senator Jinggoy Estrada revealed he rejected multiple proposals to throw out his flood control corruption cases if he agreed to defect from the “independent” Senate majority bloc.
During a press conference, Estrada asserted that his refusal to comply was a matter of principle rather than personal benefit.
“Ngayon ko lang ito isasapubliko ito: Maraming beses akong inalok na talikuran ang independent majority bloc kapalit ang pagbabasura sa aking kaso, ngunit hindi ko ito tinanggap. Mas nanaig ang paninindigan ako na manatili sa hanay ng mga kasamahan ko sa independent majority bloc,” he said.
He emphasized that preserving the integrity of the institution guided his decision.
“I stand my ground because what is at stake here goes far beyond my personal circumstances. What is at stake is the independence of the Senate itself.”
“I will not yield to threats, I will not be intimidated, I will not be pressured into surrendering my independence of judgement,” he added.
Despite the serious allegations, the lawmaker did not provide proof or name the individuals behind the supposed backroom deals.
The briefing took place just as Estrada announced his intention to surrender to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). The move comes after the Sandiganbayan handed down a second arrest warrant within a four-day window—this time for a non-bailable plunder charge, closely following his temporary liberty after posting bail for a separate graft case.
The senator firmly denied any wrongdoing, labeling the legal actions against him as absurd.
“Kalokohan ang lahat ng ito,” he said.
To back his defense, Estrada pointed to data from the Senate Legislative Budget Research and Monitoring Office, which reportedly shows no record of him making budget insertions in the 2025 national budget.
“So how can the Office of the Ombudsman file a plunder case against me when I am not even alleged to be part of, or the mastermind of, the supposed scheme? Wala akong kinalaman dyan,” he argued.
Additionally, the senator disclosed that he voluntarily directed the Senate Secretary to freeze his salary during his impending detention.
“Personal kong pasya ito upang ipakita sa sambayanang Pilipino na wala akong intensiyong makinabang sa pondo ng bayan habang nililinis ko ang aking pangalan,” he explained.
Estrada concluded by expressing confidence that he would eventually clear his name.
“I will not be broken by accusations, nor will I yield to political pressure. I will meet these charges head-on, defend my honor through due process, and place my faith in the truth,” he said.