MANILA, Philippines — Detained Sen. Jinggoy Estrada on Tuesday said he would "remain open" to availing himself of all legal remedies under the law following the suspension order imposed on him by the Sandiganbayan.
The senator was detained in Quezon City to face plunder charges. He was not allowed to post bail.
"Even prior to the issuance of the Sandiganbayan’s Order today, I have already taken clear and deliberate steps to demonstrate that I will not, and will never, use the powers and privileges of my office to shield myself from the allegations being hurled against me," Estrada said in a statement.
He cited his decision not to be placed under Senate custody and voluntarily surrendered to authorities. He also instructed the Senate secretary to temporarily suspend his salary.
"I did not think twice about these steps because it's clear to me that personal interests have no place in the midst of the process that aims to determine the truth," Estrada said in Filipino.
"Ayokong mabigyan ng anumang bahid ng pagdududa ang aking layunin na igalang ang proseso at patunayan ang aking sarili sa tamang forum (I don't want to cast any doubt on my desire to respect the process and prove myself at the proper forum)," he added.
