Metro Manila, Philippines – The Sandiganbayan has deferred the arraignment on the graft charges against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan to Thursday, June 4, due to the lawmaker’s pending motions and the ex-Cabinet member’s health condition.
Estrada and Bonoan faced the court’s second division on Tuesday, June 2, a day after the arrest warrant for their non-bailable plunder was released.
The lawmaker was at the court past 1 p.m. in handcuffs and in detainee uniform.
Estrada initially wanted to be arraigned for his graft case, but later on withdrew his statement after consulting with lawyers.
His legal counsel cited pending appeals, including an omnibus motion to dismiss the case or suspend the proceedings and remand the case to the ombudsman for reinvestigation.
The prosecution says it cannot comment yet on the motion, as the senator’s camp has yet to provide them a copy of the appeal.
Noel Ostrea, Estrada’s lawyer, also brought up a request for his client to be allowed to appear before the court online, so the senator can fulfil his duties as a lawmaker. Estrada’s camp has yet to formalize this appeal through a formal submission to the court.
2nd division chairperson and presiding justice Geraldine Econg said the Supreme Court allows online participation. However, she said the court has no control on the possibility of Estrada joining Senate activities online, a subject of heated debates among senators.
Bonoan on wheelchair
Meanwhile, the court granted Bonoan’s appeal for his arraignment to be rescheduled due to his health condition.
The former secretary arrived at the Sandiganbayan on a wheelchair after spending the night at the Philippine National Police General Hospital for hypertension.
He has yet to be detained at the New Quezon City Jail, where Estrada and three others were brought due to the non-bailable plunder charges.
The Sandiganbayan 5th division has scheduled as well the arraignment for the plunder case on June 4, 8:30 a.m.
