Ombudsman Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla said on Tuesday that his office will file plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada in connection with an alleged flood control scam, as prosecutors prepare additional cases that could implicate more lawmakers.
Speaking at a press conference on May 26, Remulla said the case against Estrada is expected to be filed within days, while another case against Joel Villanueva may follow about two weeks later.
Remulla added that at least three more senators could face charges, though it remains unclear whether all would be for plunder.
“Marami yung violations of law kaming nakita. At least three more senators,” he said, noting he was not distinguishing between members of the majority or minority blocs.
He earlier identified Villanueva, Francis Escudero and Rodante Marcoleta among those who may be charged.
During the briefing, Remulla also disclosed that prosecutors are preparing additional cases related to alleged irregularities involving public funds, including a “heavy” money laundering complaint and a broader conspiracy case involving the national budget.
“Andyan na ‘yan, meron na kaming dalawa pang kasong hinahanda tungkol diyan,” he said. “At of course the grandest case of them all, itong pinaka-mabigat na kaso diyan, the conspiracy to defraud the treasury, sa pamamagitan ng budget.”
Remulla said the large-scale case would be unprecedented in Philippine history and would require careful preparation.
“Hindi madaling ilatag ‘yan. We’re being very careful about the premise that we make kasi first time ito gagawin sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas,” he said.
He declined to provide a timetable for filing the broader cases, saying investigators are still gathering and building evidence.
“Wala kaming timetable diyan… kinakalap namin ang ebidensya niyan. Binubuo namin sa araw-araw,” he said.
Asked whether as many as seven senators could face imprisonment this year, Remulla said it was too early to determine outcomes.
“Makukulong o hindi makukulong, hindi ko muna sasagutin. Darating tayo diyan,” he said.
