SEN. Jinggoy Estrada said he would pursue all available legal remedies after the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division dropped former Public Works secretary Manuel Bonoan as a co-accused in plunder and graft cases over the alleged flood control kickback scheme.
In a statement late Tuesday, Estrada said he respected the anti-graft court’s decision but pointed out that he still had other legal options available.
“While I respect the decision of the Sandiganbayan, I wish to emphasize that there remain legal remedies available to me under our judicial system, which my legal team will carefully study and pursue at the appropriate time,” Estrada said.
“I intend to avail myself of all remedies provided under our laws. This development does not end my legal recourse,” he added.
Estrada also said he would continue to rely on due process and the rule of law.
“My faith in our judicial system remains firm. I will continue to stand by the truth and pursue every lawful means available to protect my rights and clear my name and honor,” he said.
His statement came after the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division dropped the plunder and graft charges against Bonoan, who was accused alongside Estrada and several Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials over an alleged scheme involving P573 million in kickbacks.
The Office of the Ombudsman had sought to discharge Bonoan as an accused and turn him into a state witness in other flood control corruption cases.
He had also testified before the Sandiganbayan in the case against former senator Bong Revilla, where he claimed that all senators in 2024 had availed themselves of a “leadership fund” allotted by the DPWH under the 2025 national budget.
In June, the Ombudsman asked the Sandiganbayan to exclude Bonoan from the charges after the former secretary expressed his willingness to cooperate with the agency.
The Ombudsman said Bonoan’s testimony was necessary to uncover the system behind the alleged kickback scheme involving the anomalous projects.
Estrada and Bonoan have yet to be arraigned due to pending motions. The court has scheduled Estrada’s arraignment for Sept. 3.
Condition stable
Bonoan is “clinically stable” and his hypertension is controlled, but he continues to receive medication under the supervision of the Philippine National Police General Hospital (PNPGH) in Camp Crame.
Lt. Col. Benaly Bayani, chief of the hospital’s Internal Medicine Department, said Bonoan’s blood pressure is stable and there are no problems with his condition as evidenced by his attendance to the Sandiganbayan hearings over his alleged involvement in flood control controversies.
In June, Bonoan was admitted to the PNPGH over multiple health concerns including acute coronary syndrome, chronic kidney disease, prostate cancer, type 2 diabetes, spinal issues, carcinoma and heart failure.
Bayani said Bonoan is no longer using a wheelchair and is able to walk.
Meanwhile, the PNP General Hospital has yet to receive any order from the Sandiganbayan regarding Bonoan’s possible transfer or discharge from hospital detention.
