The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is on standby should an arrest warrant be issued against Senator Jinggoy Estrada in connection with the plunder and graft case filed against him before the Sandiganbayan.

In an ambush interview, members of the media asked NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag about the bureau’s possible role if authorities were ordered to arrest the senator.

“Hintayin natin yung warrant. Pag lumabas yung warrant, we’ll proceed from there,” Matibag replied.

The Ombudsman filed plunder and graft charges against Estrada before the Sandiganbayan on Thursday, May 28, over his alleged links to the flood control scandal. Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano personally led the filing of the cases, presenting documents and evidence.

In a separate press briefing, Clavano clarified that the Ombudsman recommended no bail for Estrada

Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Engineer Brice Hernandez had previously accused the senator of allegedly receiving kickbacks from flood control projects. Estrada has, however, strongly denied the allegations.

Meanwhile, Matibag remained tight-lipped when questioned regarding the manhunt operations being conducted by the bureau and the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP–CIDG) in four locations in Pampanga, Parañaque City, and Bulacan.