By Tracy Cabrera
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada on Tuesday said he will not be swayed by what he described as political pressure or threats to his integrity as he reaffirmed his alignment with the Senate majority bloc led by Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano.
In a statement following his voluntary surrender to authorities over a plunder case, Estrada said he would vigorously defend himself before the Sandiganbayan and insisted on his innocence regarding the allegations.
“I am giving instructions to the Senate Secretary to put on hold my salary. Hindi ako papasailalim sa kustodiya ng Senado,” Estrada said, adding that he would “fight the charges tooth and claw.”
He also stressed that he would not be intimidated by what he called political maneuvering, saying, “Hindi ako matitinag sa anumang panggigipit, pananakot, political maneuvering para talikuran ang aking paninindigan.”
Estrada was taken into custody by the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) after an arrest warrant was issued by the Sandiganbayan in connection with graft-related charges.
During the briefing, several members of the Senate majority bloc were present to show support for Estrada, including Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, Senators Imee Marcos, Rodante Marcoleta, and Camille and Mark Villar.
ia/xf
