Metro Manila, Philippines – The Sandiganbayan 2nd division has issued an arrest warrant against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada for his graft case, a bailable offense, on Friday, May 29.
The second division also issued a hold departure order, which bars him from leaving the country.
The anti-graft court has yet to issue a warrant of arrest for his non-bailable plunder case.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said Estrada has the option to surrender or face arrest.
“I think he will most probably surrender after the third time. It is the third time. Sanay naman siya kung ano ang gagawin [He knows what to do.],” Remulla said in a chance interview with reporters.
Remulla said he called Estrada on Thursday, May 28, after the case was filed by the ombudsman with the Sandiganbayan. It is the third plunder case against Estrada in less than three decades, after he was acquitted in two separate cases for corruption allegations.
The DILG chief noted that while Estrada is still weighing his options, he mentioned a knee replacement surgery that he supposedly needs to undergo.
Remulla said it is up to the Sandiganbayan on how to go about Estrada’s suppsoed medical concern.
He also vowed no special treatment for the senator, who may serve time in the New Quezon City Jail – where the other accused people in the flood control scam, including former Sen. Bong Revilla were detained.
“Walang special treatment doon. Walang aircon. Same treatment as anyone,” Remulla said.
[Translation: There is no special treatment there. No air conditioning. Same treatment as anyone.]
Estrada said in a statement on Thursday, May 28, that his lawyers are exhausting all legal remedies.
