Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Tuesday described as “unfortunate” the recommendation of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to file criminal charges against him over alleged irregularities in flood control projects, citing findings from the Senate’s budget research office that he said contradict the accusations.
In a statement, the solon said the Senate Legislative Budget Research and Monitoring Office (LBRMO) had “categorically stated” that there were no records showing he introduced insertions in the 2025 national budget.
The senator noted that former Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chairman Panfilo Lacson had also acknowledged the significance of the LBRMO findings in relation to the allegations being raised against him.
Because of this, he said he formally filed an omnibus motion before the Office of the Ombudsman on May 15 seeking the reopening of the preliminary investigation involving complaints filed by the National Bureau of Investigation.
According to Estrada, the motion aims to allow the presentation of additional evidence and other matters that he believes are necessary for a fair and objective review of the case.
“Due process and fairness demand that all relevant evidence and official findings be fully considered before conclusions are drawn,” Estrada said.
He added that he remains prepared to address the allegations through proper legal channels and expressed confidence that official records and evidence would eventually clear his name.
The statement came a day after the Ombudsman disclosed that the DOJ had recommended the filing of plunder, graft, and bribery charges against Estrada and several former public works officials in connection with alleged anomalies in flood control projects.