Senator Jinggoy Estrada will be allowed to attend his arraignment through video conferencing after the Sandiganbayan granted his request to participate in the proceedings virtually.
In an order, the Sandiganbayan Second Division authorized Estrada to appear online in connection with the graft and plunder charges he is facing before the anti-graft court.
The court said the arrangement would allow the proceedings to continue while accommodating Estrada’s request for remote attendance.
During the arraignment, the charges against Estrada will be formally read, after which he will be asked to enter his plea.
The arraignment marks a key stage in the criminal proceedings as it formally starts the trial process against an accused.
The arraignment and pre-trial proceedings were earlier postponed, including the hearing involving Estrada and former Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan, to give the parties time to address pending legal matters before the court.
Although Estrada will attend virtually, he remains under the jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan, which will continue to hear and resolve the case.
The court also said the use of videoconferencing complies with existing rules allowing remote participation in court proceedings under certain circumstances.
As of writing, Estrada and his legal team have yet to issue a statement on the court’s approval of his online appearance.
The outcome of the arraignment and pre-trial proceedings will determine the timeline for the presentation of evidence and witnesses as the case moves forward.