Sen. Jinggoy Estrada went to the Sandiganbayan on Friday to post bail after the anti-graft court issued an arrest warrant against him in connection with a graft case linked to the alleged flood control projects scandal.
Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla said he spoke with Estrada shortly after the Sandiganbayan Second Division issued the warrant.
“As of 15 minutes ago he said that he is on his way to the Sandigan to post bail,” Remulla said in a message sent at around 2:15 p.m.
In a later interview, Remulla said the warrant covered a graft case, which is bailable.
“The Sandigan 2nd Division issued the warrant of arrest for Jinggoy over graft. However, it is a bailable case,” Remulla said.
“I coordinated with Sen. Jinggoy’s camp and they informed me that he is on his way to the Sandiganbayan to voluntarily surrender and post bail. As far as I know, he will go there personally,” he added.
Online reports said bail was set at P90,000 for the graft charge. The Sandiganbayan also issued a hold departure order against Estrada and former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, who is also facing graft charges in connection with the case.
The Office of the Ombudsman filed graft and plunder charges against Estrada before the Sandiganbayan on Thursday over the alleged flood control scandal. The plunder case is separate from the graft case and carries a no-bail recommendation from the Ombudsman.
Estrada, in a statement cited by Philstar.com, said posting bail was a legal remedy available to him and that he intended to use lawful means to defend himself and clear his name.
Remulla said authorities coordinated with Estrada’s camp following the issuance of the warrant and were prepared to process him through the required legal procedure.
Estrada’s appearance before the Sandiganbayan would allow him to undergo booking and secure provisional liberty in the graft case by posting bail.