NBI Moves to Expand Plunder Case Against Senator Jinggoy Estrada with Fresh Evidence and Respondents
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has taken a significant step forward in the ongoing plunder case against Senator Jinggoy Estrada by filing a motion to introduce new evidence and additional respondents. This development, confirmed by Justice Spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez, follows a formal request from the bureau to submit supplementary materials as part of the complaint.
Preliminary Investigation Details and Deadlines
During the recent preliminary investigation into the plunder allegations, it was noted that Senator Estrada did not submit his counter-affidavit. In response, the prosecution has instructed the NBI to provide copies of the additional evidence to all respondents, giving them only a few days until February 26, 2026, to review the materials. The Department of Justice has assured that once respondents receive these copies, they will be granted adequate time and opportunity to prepare their responses.
According to Justice Spokesperson Martinez, respondents are permitted to file their counter-affidavits no later than the stipulated date of March 9, 2026. This deadline coincides with the next scheduled preliminary investigation, which will address the charges faced by the senator and several former officials.
List of Respondents and Charges
In addition to Senator Jinggoy Estrada, the respondents in this case include former Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan, along with former Public Works officials Roberto Bernardo, Gerard Opulencia, Henry Alcantara, and John/Jane Does. The late former Public Works Undersecretary Catalina Cabral is also named in the complaint filed by the NBI-Department of Justice Bid-Rigging Task Force.
The charges they face are severe, encompassing plunder, violations of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, also known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as allegations of receiving gifts by public officers and corruption of public officers.
Confidentiality of New Respondents
Justice Spokesperson Martinez declined to disclose the names of the newly added respondents at this time, explaining that they cannot be made public until subpoenas have been served. However, he emphasized that these individuals must appear in person before the prosecution to take an oath for the upcoming hearing in March, ensuring their participation in the legal proceedings.
This move by the NBI underscores the ongoing efforts to strengthen the case against Senator Estrada and his co-respondents, highlighting the gravity of the allegations and the meticulous approach being taken by authorities in this high-profile investigation.
