MANILA — A major legal development unfolded as the Office of the Ombudsman formally charged Jinggoy Estrada with plunder and graft before the Sandiganbayan over alleged anomalies in government flood control projects.
The charges follow the Department of Justice’s recommendation linking the senator and several former Department of Public Works and Highways officials to supposed irregular budget insertions.
With plunder being a non-bailable offense, the filing raises the possibility of an arrest warrant being issued soon.
Estrada has rejected the allegations, insisting that official Senate budget monitoring records show no evidence of his involvement in insertions. He has also downplayed the complaint, saying he is prepared to face the case.
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