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Sen. Jinggoy Estrada speaks during a Senate session on May 6, 2026.
Senate SMU / Wendell Alinea
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Jinggoy Estrada asked the Sandiganbayan to quash the plunder charge filed against him by the Office of the Ombudsman or suspend proceedings while his legal remedies remain pending.
In a message to reporters on Monday, June 1, Estrada's lawyer said the senator filed an omnibus motion ad cautelam before the anti-graft court.
"In anticipation of the possible issuance of an arrest warrant in the plunder case filed against me, I respectfully urge the Court to first give due consideration to the motions I have already filed and to uphold the principles of due process," Estrada said in a statement.
Estrada also sought the suspension of proceedings until the investigation of the case is completed.
"These are not mere technicalities. I firmly believe that I am entitled to avail myself of the remedies available under the law, including the filing of a motion for reconsideration, especially considering that I received a copy of the Ombudsman Resolution on the plunder case only on Friday evening," Estrada said.
"It is only fair and just that I be afforded the opportunity to fully exercise these legal remedies before any coercive measures are taken against me," he added.
Graft bail. Estrada posted P90,000 bail on Friday, May 29, for a graft charge after the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant for his arrest over alleged kickbacks amounting to P573 million.
On the same day, Estrada said his lawyers sought the consolidation of the cases and the deferment of any arrest warrant.
The plunder charge filed by the Ombudsman on May 28 is pending before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division, which has yet to issue a warrant.
If a warrant is issued for plunder, Estrada may face detention because plunder is a non-bailable offense when evidence of guilt is strong.
However, bail may still be sought through a hearing. If the court finds that the evidence of guilt is not strong, the accused may be allowed temporary liberty upon posting bail.
