MANILA, Philippines — Senator Jinggoy Estrada has vowed to pursue all legal remedies available to him after the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division approved the removal of former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan as a co-accused in the plunder and graft cases linked to an alleged P573-million flood control kickback scheme.
Estrada said he respects the anti-graft court’s decision but stressed that the development does not end his own legal battle.
“While I respect the decision of the Sandiganbayan, I wish to emphasize that there remain legal remedies available to me under our judicial system, which my legal team will carefully study and pursue at the appropriate time,” Estrada said.
He added that he intends to avail himself of every remedy allowed under Philippine law as he continues to fight the accusations and clear his name.
The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division voted 2-1 to grant the Office of the Ombudsman’s motion to drop Bonoan from the plunder and graft charges. The court said the decision on whether an accused may be used as a state witness falls within the Ombudsman’s prosecutorial discretion.
Why Was Manuel Bonoan Dropped From the Case?
Bonoan had initially been charged alongside Estrada and several Department of Public Works and Highways officials over allegations involving kickbacks from infrastructure and flood control projects.
The Office of the Ombudsman later sought his exclusion after Bonoan reportedly expressed willingness to cooperate with investigators.
According to reports, the Ombudsman argued that Bonoan’s cooperation could be crucial in uncovering the broader alleged system behind the anomalous flood control projects. The anti-graft court also recognized the Ombudsman’s authority to determine which accused may be utilized as a state witness.
Jinggoy: ‘My Faith in the Judicial System Remains Firm’
Estrada maintained that he would continue relying on due process and the rule of law.
He said his legal team would carefully study the available options and pursue the appropriate remedies as his cases move forward.
The senator’s official statement also emphasized his intention to use every lawful avenue available to protect his rights and defend his name.
What Happened Next? Jinggoy Was Arraigned
The legal battle continued after the September 1-2 development involving Bonoan.
On September 3, Estrada appeared before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division for arraignment on plunder and graft charges. He declined to personally enter a plea, prompting the court to enter a not guilty plea on his behalf.
The court also affirmed the denial of his request to have bail fixed in the plunder case. Under Philippine law, a court must first determine that the evidence of guilt is not strong before bail may be granted in a case involving an offense punishable by reclusion perpetua.
The P573-Million Flood Control Case
Estrada is facing allegations involving approximately P573.75 million in alleged kickbacks connected to infrastructure and flood control projects in Metro Manila, Bulacan and Occidental Mindoro that were included in the 2025 national budget, according to subsequent reports on the case.
He is facing the accusations alongside former DPWH officials. The charges remain allegations, and Estrada has maintained his innocence and continues to challenge the cases through the legal process.
What Happens Next?
Bonoan’s removal as a co-accused does not automatically resolve Estrada’s own criminal cases.
Instead, the development could become an important part of the wider legal proceedings surrounding the alleged flood control corruption scheme, particularly as prosecutors pursue information from potential cooperating witnesses.
For Estrada, the next phase is clear: his lawyers will continue examining available legal remedies while his plunder and graft cases proceed before the Sandiganbayan.
The bigger question now is whether the removal of a key co-accused will reshape the prosecution’s case — or open a new legal strategy for Jinggoy Estrada’s defense.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.S
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