BY PRINCE GOLEZ
Manila Reporter
MANILA – After the Sandiganbayan fifth division issued a warrant of arrest against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada yesterday for plunder and graft, the senator voluntarily turned himself in to Camp Crame, the headquarters of the Philippine National Police.
Estrada, 51, has been implicated in the alleged P10-billion Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam.
Like his fellow senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. – also charged with the same crime, Estrada was detained at the Custodial Center of the Philippine National Police.
Revilla surrendered Friday last week.
Plunder is a non-bailable offense but Estrada’s lawyers yesterday filed a motion for bail with the Sandiganbayan.
They said “evidence of guilt is absent and at worst is not strong” against their client.
They also assured the anti-graft court that Estrada is not a flight risk.
The younger Estrada is specifically charged with pocketing P183 million in “pork barrel” funds that were allegedly diverted to ghost projects.
Plunder is punishable by life imprisonment.
Yesterday, warrants of arrest were also issued to alleged pork barrel mastermind Janet Lim Napoles; Estrada’s ex-employee Pauline Therese Labayen; Napoles’ driver John Raymund de Asis and other co-accused.
In 2001, Estrada was also detained with his father, former President Joseph Estrada for plunder. But he was released two years after his detention.
The younger Estrada, before he left his home at Corinthian Hills in Quezon City to turn himself in to Camp Crame, expressed confidence that “the truth will see me free.”
He also said he will face all charges against him in court.
Estrada earlier said he plans to make loom bands and watch soap operas while in detention.
“Gusto na akong turuan ng asawa ko na gumawa (ng loom bands), kaya lang hindi ko kaya dahil parang gawaing pambabae iyon,” the 51-year-old solon said.
In a separate interview, the elder Estrada said he and his wife, former Sen. Loi Estrada will continue to pray for Jinggoy.
He said he advised his son to “stay strong.”/PN
