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Arrest rooms as Ombudsman files plunder, graft cases vs Estrada
The anti-graft court could issue arrest warrants if it finds probable cause, and Estrada faces a third plunder case over P573 million in alleged kickbacks.
- On Thursday, May 28, the Office of the Ombudsman charged Senator Jinggoy Estrada and former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan with plunder and graft, alleging they received over P573 million in illicit payouts from flood control projects.
- A Department of Justice investigation revealed a conspiracy among high-ranking officials to rig public bidding and siphon government funds, detailing alleged 30% cuts to regional flood control projects backed by legislative records and Senate hearings from November 14, 2025.
- Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano refuted claims that budget insertions were absent, stating the Legislative Budget Research and Monitoring Office certification fails to capture all stages of the budgetary process where insertions can be made in a "layered method."
- Estrada vowed to "exhaust all legal remedies," claiming he was denied due process to study the charges. Because plunder is non-bailable, the Sandiganbayan may issue arrest warrants if the court finds probable cause.
- This marks Estrada's third plunder charge, adding to 13 pending graft cases from previous scandals. Prosecutors have barred the senator and Bonoan from leaving the country as the corruption probe continues to impact economic growth.
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Sen. Jinggoy Estrada faces a new ₱573-million plunder case in a widening Philippine flood control kickback scandal involving DPWH officials and senators.
·Dubai, United Arab Emirates (the)
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Arrest rooms as Ombudsman files plunder, graft cases vs Estrada
MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman filed plunder and graft cases against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada before the Sandiganbayan on Thursday afternoon, May 28. Consequently, an arrest warrant is expected to be issued against Estrada anytime soon. Estrada’s plunder, graft cases Plunder is a non-bailable case and carries a penalty of life imprisonment. Under the law, bail may only be granted if the court finds that the evidence of guilt is no…
·Manila, Philippines (the)
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Total News Sources15
Leaning Left5Leaning Right5Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Left, 45% Right
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources lean Left, 45% of the sources lean Right
46% Left
L 46%
R 45%
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