The Sandiganbayan Second Division has affirmed its earlier ruling denying Senator Jinggoy Estrada’s attempt to dismiss the graft case against him, ruling that his second Motion for Reconsideration failed to present any new arguments that would warrant reversing the court’s decision.

In a six-page resolution promulgated on July 10, the anti-graft court declared that Estrada’s motion “lacks merit,” saying it merely repeated issues that had already been resolved.

The court rejected Estrada’s claim that the case information failed to clearly specify the acts constituting the offense, ruling that the senator’s own pleadings showed he fully understood the accusations against him.

“Such extensive refutation belies any claim of uncertainty regarding the accusation he faces,” the Sandiganbayan said.

The court also dismissed Estrada’s argument that he was denied due process during the preliminary investigation, noting that he was able to submit a counter-affidavit and was given the opportunity to answer the allegations.

It further ruled that the inability to file a motion for reconsideration before the Office of the Ombudsman “is merely a privilege” and does not justify the dismissal of the case or a reinvestigation.

The graft case stems from the alleged receipt of a 25-percent kickback involving ₱855 million worth of flood control projects in Bulacan. Estrada also faces a separate non-bailable plunder charge involving an alleged ₱573 million in kickbacks linked to projects in Metro Manila, Oriental Mindoro, and Bulacan.

The Sandiganbayan earlier ordered Estrada’s 90-day preventive suspension from the Senate, which was implemented on June 22 pursuant to the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.