By Elami Go
MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman has recommended no bail for the graft and plunder charges filed before the Sandiganbayan against Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Ejercito Estrada, former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan, and several others.
The cases stem from their alleged involvement in anomalous flood control projects and a supposed kickback scheme.
In a statement, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the Ombudsman found probable cause to pursue the charges following an extensive investigation conducted by the NBI-DOJ Public Works and Bid-Rigging Task Force.
“The Office of the Ombudsman has recommended no bail for the respondents in this case,” Clavano said.
He added that the case originated from alleged illegal budget insertions and project allocations under the DPWH’s Fiscal Year 2025 infrastructure portfolio.
Investigators alleged that more than P573 million was systematically funneled to Estrada in connection with the questioned projects.
ia/xf
