MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Jinggoy Estrada described as "baffling and unjust" the Department of Justice (DOJ) resolution recommending the filing of plunder and graft charges against him in relation to his alleged link to the flood control fund scandal.
In a resolution transmitted to the Office of the Ombudsman, the DOJ said it found probable cause to indict Estrada, former Public Works secretary Manuel Bonoan and six others for plunder, violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, direct bribery, and corruption of public officials.
"This is an unfortunate development," Ejercito said in a statement on Tuesday.
He said that the Senate Legislative Budget Research and Monitoring Office "categorically stated that there is no record showing that I introduced any insertions into the 2025 national budget."
Estrada said that even Sen. Panfilo Lacson, Blue Ribbon Committee chairman, "took cognizance of this development as a vital piece of information regarding the issues being raised against me."
That was why on May 15, 2026, Estrada said he filed before the DOJ an omnibus motion to "reopen the preliminary investigation into the cases filed by the National Bureau of Investigation concerning the flood control projects."
The senator said the motion sought to "allow the presentation and consideration of additional evidence and matters crucial to a fair and objective determination of the complaints."
"Due process and fairness demand that all relevant evidence and official findings be fully considered before conclusions are drawn," Estrada said.
"Nonetheless, I remain committed to addressing these allegations through the proper legal processes, and I am confident that the truth, supported by facts and official records, will ultimately prevail," he added.
