MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has granted Senator Jinggoy Estrada a three-day extension to file his counter-affidavit in relation to 11 graft complaints filed against him.
DOJ spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez confirmed that the panel of prosecutors approved Estrada’s request, allowing him until March 12 to submit his sworn response to the allegations.
Once the extended deadline lapses, the complaints will be considered submitted for resolution by the prosecution panel.
Meanwhile, Estrada has also filed a motion before the Sandiganbayan 5th Division seeking permission to travel abroad. The senator is requesting clearance to visit several Asian destinations—Hong Kong, Macau, and Japan—from March 31 to April 5, 2026.
However, Estrada must first inform the Manila Regional Trial Court because he remains covered by a Precautionary Hold Departure Order (PHDO) issued in connection with an ongoing probe into alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
The PHDO was imposed amid concerns that the senator could potentially leave the country while the investigation is ongoing.
Alternative Headlines:
DOJ Gives Jinggoy Estrada Until March 12 to File Counter-Affidavit in 11 Graft Raps
Jinggoy Estrada Gets Brief Extension to Answer Graft Complaints
DOJ Panel Allows Estrada Extra Time to Respond to Graft Charges
Estrada Seeks Travel Clearance as DOJ Extends Deadline for Counter-Affidavit
If you want, I can also make a slightly stronger newspaper-style version (more punchy for tabloid or broadsheet) suitable for Pinoy Action News or a community newspaper layout.
Elami/
