By Danielle Tiu
MANILA — The Sandiganbayan has ordered the arrest of Senator Jinggoy Estrada following accusations that billions in flood control project funds were misused. Prosecutors allege that the projects became conduits for kickbacks and irregular releases, implicating Estrada and several DPWH officials.
The anti‑graft court’s resolution included hold departure orders to prevent those charged from leaving the country. According to case records, investigators believe government resources meant for flood mitigation were siphoned off through collusion and fraudulent allocations.
Estrada rejected the allegations, calling them baseless, and expressed confidence in clearing his name during trial. The plunder case, considered non‑bailable under Philippine law, underscores ongoing concerns about corruption in infrastructure spending.
