The Sandiganbayan Second Division has ordered the 90-day preventive suspension of Senator Jinggoy Estrada in connection with graft and plunder charges linked to the alleged irregularities in government flood control projects.

In a resolution released Tuesday afternoon, June 16, the anti-graft court directed Estrada’s temporary suspension from his duties as senator pursuant to Section 13 of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, while his cases remain pending.

The court said the preventive suspension aims to prevent any possible influence on witnesses or tampering with evidence during the ongoing trial.

Estrada is facing graft charges related to alleged kickbacks from flood control projects, which prosecutors say amount to around P573 million. The case was filed by the Office of the Ombudsman on May 28.

The Sandiganbayan had earlier issued a warrant of arrest against Estrada on June 1 for plunder charges. He is currently detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas after posting bail of P90,000 for separate graft charges last May 29.

Under the court’s ruling, Estrada will remain suspended for 90 days starting upon receipt of the resolution.

Section 13 of Republic Act 3019 provides that public officials facing criminal prosecution for graft-related offenses shall be suspended from office to ensure the integrity of the proceedings.

This is not the first time Estrada has been placed under preventive suspension. In 2014, the Sandiganbayan also suspended him in connection with a separate plunder case linked to the pork barrel scam.

The case against Estrada is set to proceed alongside other co-accused in the coming hearings scheduled later this month.