Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Friday posted a ₱90,000 bail bond after the Sandiganbayan issued an arrest warrant against him over a graft case tied to alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
In a statement, Estrada maintained his innocence and said he was availing himself of legal remedies available under the justice system.
“Posting bail is a legal remedy available to me under our justice system and I intend to avail myself of every lawful means to defend myself and clear my name,” Estrada said.
The senator, who is also facing trial in connection with the alleged ₱10-billion pork barrel scam, denied any involvement in wrongdoing and described the accusations as baseless.
“I respect the rule of law and our judicial institutions, and this is precisely why I am posting bail and personally submitting myself to the jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan,” he added.
Estrada also expressed confidence in the judicial process.
“Umaasa ako sa patas na pagtrato, due process, at pagiging walang kinikilingan sa pagdinig ng kasong ito. Nagtitiwala ako na sa huli, mananaig ang hustisya at ang katotohanan” (“I am hoping for fair treatment, due process, and impartiality in the hearing of this case. I trust that in the end, justice and truth will prevail”), he said.
Earlier in the day, the Sandiganbayan Second Division ordered Estrada’s arrest and issued a hold departure order over allegations that he received kickbacks from allegedly anomalous infrastructure projects.
Aside from the graft complaint, the Office of the Ombudsman also filed a plunder case against the senator. Plunder is a non-bailable offense punishable by life imprisonment.