During a press briefing at the Senate, Estrada opted to surrender to the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), where he vowed to face the charges filed against him.

"I will not yield to threats, I will not be intimidated, I will not be pressured into surrendering my independence of judgement," Estrada said.

“I will not seek Senate custody. Hindi ko gagamitin ang Senado bilang panangga laban sa mga alegasyon sa akin,” he added.

The case stems from allegations that he received around ₱573 million in kickbacks linked to flood control projects.

During the same press conference, Estrada claimed that several individuals have repeatedly offered to have his plunder and graft cases dropped in exchange for his withdrawal from the Senate majority bloc under Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano.

“Ngayon ko lang ito isasapubliko: Maraming beses akong inalok na talikuran ang independent majority bloc kapalit ang pagbabasura sa aking kaso, ngunit hindi ko ito tinanggap,” Estrada said in a press briefing at the Senate.

Estrada did not disclose who made the approach or whether they are members of the Senate.

He added that he chose to remain aligned with his Senate allies, stressing his political stance over what he described as external pressure.

“Mas nanaig ang paninindigan ako na manatili sa hanay ng mga kasamahan ko sa independent majority bloc. Kung sino sila, abangan n’yo na lang ang susunod na kabanata,” he said.

The senator said the legal developments highlight what he called the importance of protecting the independence of institutions, including the Senate.

“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,” Estrada stressed.

“This institution must never become vulnerable to external pressure. It must remain free from political coercion, free from undue influence and free from any scheme designed to weaken its constitutional role as a co-equal and independent branch of government,” he added.

He also emphasized that he will remain in the Senate majority: “I will remain firmly with the majority bloc under the leadership of Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano.”

The senator said that he has instructed the Senate Secretary to suspend the release of his monthly salary while his case is pending, saying it was a voluntary decision to avoid benefiting from public funds amid the allegations.

“I am giving instructions to the Senate Secretary to put my salary on hold. Personal kong pasya ito upang ipakita sa sambayanang Pilipino na wala akong intensiyong makinabang sa pondo ng bayan habang nililinis ko ang aking pangalan,” he said.

Estrada reaffirmed that he will remain with the Senate majority bloc under Senate leadership, saying he will not yield to pressure to change political alignment.

He was seen at the Senate alongside Cayetano, as well as Senators Imee Marcos, Rodante Marcoleta, Mark Villar, and Camille Villar. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla was also present.