Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Sen. Jinggoy Estrada is set to undergo knee replacement surgery, a medical condition that has reportedly become a key concern as authorities prepare to enforce an arrest warrant over his alleged involvement in anomalous flood control projects.

In an interview with reporters at Kampo Karingal, Remulla said Estrada had personally informed him of his knee problem and that he may need surgery soon.

Remulla said Estrada was given a choice to voluntarily surrender or face arrest.

“Either you surrender or arrest. Pagiisipan niya raw, ang concern niya raw ay yung tuhod niya kailangan ng knee replacement,” Remulla said.

The Interior chief said he could not confirm whether Estrada would seek hospital arrest, but noted the senator is expected to surrender, possibly at Camp Crame, given that he resides in San Juan City.

Remulla also said he is prepared to personally present Estrada before the court, similar to previous high-profile surrenders, while stressing that the anti-graft court will determine the senator’s detention arrangements once he is taken into custody.

Following reports that the Sandiganbayan has issued an arrest warrant, authorities are now awaiting the next move of the Philippine National Police (PNP), particularly the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

Remulla further expressed confidence that Estrada would opt to surrender, noting that this would be the senator’s third encounter with arrest proceedings.

In 2001, Estrada and his father, former President Joseph Estrada, were charged over alleged ill-gotten wealth linked to illegal gambling. He was detained but acquitted in 2007 for lack of evidence.

In 2014, he was charged with plunder and graft over alleged misuse of ₱183 million in PDAF funds, detained the same year, and released on bail in 2017. In 2024, the Sandiganbayan acquitted him of plunder and initially convicted him of bribery, but later reversed the ruling.