Sen. Jinggoy Estrada Surrenders to CIDG Over a Non-bailable Plunder Charge.

By J.D.

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Jinggoy Estrada surrendered to the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on Monday after the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division issued an arrest warrant against him for a non-bailable plunder charge.

The case stems from his alleged involvement in a massive 2025 flood control scandal. State prosecutors accuse Estrada of pocketing over ₱573 million in kickbacks by allegedly colluding with private contractors to rig high-value infrastructure projects.

Following his surrender at Camp Crame, Senator Estrada underwent standard booking procedures, including the taking of mugshots and fingerprints, followed by a routine medical examination. Estrada is now officially detained at the New Quezon City jail in Payatas since last night.

The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has slated the arraignment for the coming weeks, where Estrada is expected to formally enter his plea. Meanwhile, Estrada’s legal team is expected to file an omnibus motion seeking a judicial determination of probable cause and bail, arguing that the evidence of guilt against the lawmaker is not strong enough.

The charges against Estrada are part of a broader, ongoing investigation into the 2025 flood control project allocations.

While the defense notes the absence of direct signatures, the prosecution maintains that the case does not rely solely on paperwork. State prosecutors argue that circumstantial evidence and explicit testimonies from involved private contractors suggest a systemic manipulation of project biddings to channel funds.

In a press conference held shortly before turning himself in, Estrada strongly denied any involvement in the scandal, pointing to a lack of documentary evidence connecting him to the budget allocations.

“So how can the Office of the Ombudsman file a plunder case against me when I am not even alleged to be part of, or the mastermind of, the supposed scheme? Wala akong kinalaman dyan,” Estrada said.

The senator stressed that the Legislative Budget Research and Monitoring Office had previously informed the Office of the Ombudsman that they possess no documents showing Estrada made insertions to the 2025 national budget. His defense team maintains that without these definitive documentary links, the prosecution’s case lacks the legal foundation required for a conviction.