Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla on Monday said Senator Jinggoy Estrada and his co-accused in a non-bailable plunder case will receive no special treatment after the Sandiganbayan ordered their arrest over alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
Remulla made the statement after personally serving Estrada’s arrest warrant at the Senate and bringing him to the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group headquarters in Camp Crame for processing.
“Wala talaga. They will be dealt with fairly, equally, no special privileges,” Remulla said in a press briefing.
The DILG chief said all five individuals named in the warrant have been accounted for.
Aside from Estrada, the warrant also covered former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Manny Bulusan, Arthur Gonzales, and Denril Cesar Fortuna in connection with the plunder case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman.
Remulla said Estrada was informed of the charges against him in the presence of his lawyer and was apprised of his constitutional rights before he was taken to Camp Crame.
The senator underwent standard booking procedures, including fingerprinting, mugshot taking, and medical examination, before being brought to the Sandiganbayan.
“Senator Jinggoy cooperated fully together with the other accused,” Remulla said.
He stressed that law enforcement authorities are duty-bound to implement court orders fairly and professionally, regardless of the position or influence of those involved.
“We will always do what is necessary according to the bounds of law. We will inform them. We will give them the courtesy. But if there’s an arrest to be made, we will make the arrest,” Remulla said.
Bonoan, meanwhile, was brought to the hospital after medical personnel determined that he needed immediate medical attention. Remulla said the former DPWH chief remains under police custody.
“The law is applied fairly, but we also have a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in our custody,” he said.
Remulla said matters involving detention and custody are now up to the Sandiganbayan.
For law enforcement authorities, he said the mandate is clear: implement court orders and uphold the rule of law.
“No special privileges. No exemptions. The process is the same for everyone,” Remulla said. “That is how public trust in our institutions is preserved.”