By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Senate has officially enforced the 90-day preventive suspension of Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, stripping him of his authority to perform legislative duties and suspending his salary and benefits while he remains detained over the multibillion-peso flood control corruption case.
Senate Secretary Renato Bantug confirmed Thursday that the suspension took effect on June 22, following the implementation of the Sandiganbayan’s order by the Senate President.
“The Senate President officially notified the Office of Senator Estrada that the suspension order issued by the Sandiganbayan has been implemented beginning June 22,” Bantug told reporters.
With the order now in force, Estrada is prohibited from exercising any official functions as a senator, prompting the suspension of his compensation and other benefits.
“You are no longer allowed to perform your functions, so naturally your salary and benefits are likewise suspended,” Bantug explained.
Despite Estrada’s suspension, his Senate office will remain operational, with his staff continuing to discharge administrative and constituency responsibilities until the suspension expires.
“The office remains open. The staff may continue working because the suspension will eventually be lifted after the prescribed period,” Bantug said.
Bantug also indicated that Estrada’s suspension effectively extends to his role as a senator-judge in the impeachment court, saying that the suspension from public office necessarily affects all functions attached to the position.
Estrada is facing plunder and graft charges before the Sandiganbayan over allegations that he pocketed P573 million in kickbacks from government-funded flood control projects. He is currently being held at a detention facility in Quezon City pending trial.
The preventive suspension is a legal measure intended to prevent an accused public official from influencing witnesses, tampering with evidence, or using the powers of office while criminal proceedings are ongoing.
ia/xf
