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MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Jinggoy Estrada claimed Monday, June 1, that he was repeatedly offered a dismissal of the charges against him if he left the Senate majority.
Speaking to reporters after his arrest, Estrada claimed he rejected the offers and chose to remain with the "independent" majority bloc.
“Mas nanaig ang paninindigan ako na manatili sa hanay ng mga kasamahan ko sa independent majority bloc,” Estrada said. (My conviction to remain with my colleagues in the independent majority bloc prevailed.)
Estrada is facing graft and plunder charges over alleged kickbacks amounting to P573 million from flood control projects. He is the highest-ranking official to be detained since the flood control scandal was uncovered.
He did not identify who supposedly made the offers. “Kung sino sila, abangan n’yo na lang ang susunod na kabanata,” Estrada said. (As to who they are, just wait for the next chapter.)
“I stand my ground because what is at stake here goes far beyond my personal circumstances. What is at stake is the independence of the Senate itself,” he added.
Processing after arrest
After speaking to the press, Estrada was processed at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
He is expected to be turned over to the Sandiganbayan for the return of the warrant.
Estrada is set to be detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas, where other accused in the flood control cases are also detained.
