The Office of the Ombudsman has announced its plan to file a plunder case against Senator Jinggoy Estrada this week in connection with allegedly anomalous flood control projects. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla stated that he will sign the information against the senator before submitting it to the Sandiganbayan, which is expected to happen on Thursday.
Aside from plunder, other related charges will also be included. The Department of Justice (DOJ) had earlier recommended the filing of plunder, graft, and direct bribery charges against Estrada and several officials, including former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan.
Remulla explained that the filing was slightly delayed because the resolution needed to be refined and clarified to strengthen the information to be submitted. The Ombudsman added that there are other individuals involved in the case, but some may be designated as state witnesses due to the importance of their testimony in the investigation.
Meanwhile, Estrada has vehemently denied any involvement in the irregularities, with his camp insisting that there is no evidence linking him to the alleged kickbacks.
