A Philippine anti-graft court has ordered the arrest of Senator Jinggoy Estrada over allegations that he pocketed millions of dollars in kickbacks from a flood-control project, marking the latest crisis to hit the country's Senate. Estrada, 63, surrendered to the Sandiganbayan court on Friday and posted bail, allowing him to remain free while the case proceeds. The court also barred him from leaving the Philippines.
Details of the Charges
The arrest warrant relates to the first of two corruption charges stemming from anomalies in a flood-control project. A second, non-bailable charge is expected to lead to another warrant soon, according to top anti-graft prosecutor Jesus Crispin Remulla. Estrada has strongly denied the allegations, which are based mainly on claims by a former government public works engineer that he received over 570 million pesos ($9.3 million) in kickbacks.
Background of the Senator
Estrada, a former actor like his father, former President Joseph Estrada, has been detained before on other corruption-related charges. Several other senators and House members have also been implicated in the flood-control anomalies, which have drawn attention in a nation highly vulnerable to deadly floods and typhoons.
Broader Political Turmoil
The arrest comes amid a series of crises engulfing the Philippine Senate. Another senator, Ronald dela Rosa, has gone into hiding after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for his arrest for alleged crimes against humanity. Dela Rosa, a former national police chief, enforced a brutal anti-drugs crackdown under then-President Rodrigo Duterte that left thousands dead. Duterte, who stepped down in 2022, was arrested last year on ICC orders and is detained in the Netherlands, facing trial starting in November. Both deny wrongdoing.
Dela Rosa, who had been absent from the Senate since November, reappeared on May 11 to help ally Senator Alan Peter Cayetano secure the Senate presidency. He briefly took protective custody in the Senate but fled two days later after gunfire erupted, which police say may have provided cover for his escape.
Impeachment of Vice President
Estrada, dela Rosa, and Cayetano are allies of Duterte and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, who was impeached by the House on May 11 over allegations including unexplained wealth and threats to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and others. The vice president, who plans to run for president in 2028, denies the allegations. Despite the turmoil, the Senate has convened as an impeachment court for her trial, which may begin in July.
