By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has granted Senator Jinggoy Estrada a three-day extension to file his counter-affidavit in connection with 11 counts of graft. DOJ Spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez confirmed that the panel of prosecutors approved Estrada’s request, giving him until March 12 to submit the document.
After the deadline, the case will be submitted for resolution. Estrada has also filed a motion with the Sandiganbayan’s 5th Division, seeking permission to travel to several Asian countries, including Hong Kong, Macau, and Japan, from March 31 to April 5, 2026.
However, Estrada still needs to notify the Manila Regional Trial Court, as he is currently under a Precautionary Hold Departure Order (PHDO) related to an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects. The PHDO was issued due to concerns that Estrada might flee the country.
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