The Senate has officially enforced a 90-day preventive suspension order against Senator Jinggoy Estrada starting June 22, following a directive from the Sandiganbayan over graft charges involving alleged kickbacks from flood control projects.
Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. confirmed the enforcement on Thursday, noting that the leadership had formally communicated the development to the lawmaker’s office.
“The Senate president officially notified the office of Senator Estrada that the suspension order issued by the Sandiganbayan will be implemented or was implemented beginning June 22,” Bantug told reporters.
Because the suspension bars Estrada from performing his legislative duties, his salary and standard benefits are also temporarily withheld. However, Bantug clarified that the senator’s office staff can remain on duty.
“Because at a certain point, the suspension will be lifted,” he said.
Regarding whether the suspension prevents Estrada from participating as a senator-judge in the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Bantug indicated that the suspension covers all functions tied to his office.
“He is suspended as a senator of the republic, and personally, then it goes with it that being a senator-judge is also under indictment.”
Estrada is currently detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas as he faces separate plunder and graft charges regarding the alleged misuse of flood control funds.