Senator Jinggoy Estrada said he respects the judicial process and remains committed to proving his innocence following the Sandiganbayan Second Division’s order placing him under a 90-day preventive suspension in connection with graft and plunder charges linked to the alleged flood control project scandal.
In a statement released after the anti-graft court issued the suspension order, Estrada emphasized that even before the ruling, he had already taken steps to demonstrate that he would not use his position as senator to influence the proceedings against him.
"Even prior to the issuance of the Sandiganbayan’s Order today, I have already taken clear and deliberate steps to demonstrate that I will not, and will never, use the powers and privileges of my office to shield myself from the allegations being hurled against me," Estrada said.
The senator cited his decision not to seek protective custody from the Senate and his voluntary surrender to authorities after the issuance of a warrant of arrest as proof of his willingness to submit to the legal process.
Estrada also disclosed that he immediately informed the Senate secretary to stop the release of his salary while the case is pending.
"Kasabay ng aking desisyon na hindi magpasailalim sa protective custody ng Senado at ang aking boluntaryong pagsuko sa mga awtoridad nang lumabas ang warrant of arrest laban sa akin ay ang agarang pagbibigay-alam ko sa Senate Secretary na ipatigil muna ang aking sahod," he said.
According to Estrada, these actions were motivated by his desire to avoid any perception that he was using public office for personal gain or protection.
"Hindi ako nagdalawang-isip sa mga hakbang na ito sapagkat malinaw sa akin na walang puwang ang personal na interes sa gitna ng isang prosesong layuning linawin ang katotohanan," he added.
The Sandiganbayan earlier ordered Estrada’s preventive suspension for 90 days pursuant to Section 13 of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, while his graft case remains under trial. The court said the suspension is intended to prevent any possible influence over witnesses or tampering with evidence during the proceedings.
Estrada is facing graft and plunder charges stemming from allegations that he received kickbacks amounting to approximately P573 million from government flood control projects. He is currently detained at the New Quezon City Jail following the issuance of an arrest warrant for plunder.
Despite the developments, Estrada maintained that he would continue to defend himself through legal channels.
"At this stage, I remain open to availing myself of all legal remedies under the law," he said.
The senator is scheduled to be arraigned alongside his co-accused in the coming weeks as the court proceedings move forward.
