NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Sandiganbayan Suspends Estrada For 90 Days Over Flood Control Graft Case
Photo credit: Senate PH
Senator Jinggoy Estrada has been ordered suspended for 90 days by the Sandiganbayan Second Division in connection with the graft case filed against him over the alleged irregularities involving government flood control projects.
In a resolution dated June 16, the anti-graft court directed the preventive suspension of Estrada in Criminal Case No. E-SB26CRM0004 for alleged violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The suspension will take effect once the order becomes final and will also cover any other public office he may be holding.
Under the anti-graft law, preventive suspension is mandatory for incumbent public officials facing graft charges and is intended to prevent them from influencing witnesses or interfering with the proceedings. It is not a penalty and does not constitute a finding of guilt.
The case stems from allegations that Estrada received kickbacks linked to flood control projects. Prosecutors alleged that the scheme involved about ₱573 million in illicit payouts. Former Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan and several former DPWH officials are also among those charged.
Even before the issuance of the suspension order, Estrada said he had taken steps to show that he would not use his office to influence the proceedings. He earlier declined to seek protective custody from the Senate, voluntarily surrendered after a warrant of arrest was issued, and requested the Senate Secretary to temporarily stop the release of his salary while the cases are pending.
According to Estrada, these actions were meant to demonstrate his respect for the judicial process and his determination to clear his name through the proper legal channels. He added that he remains prepared to avail himself of all legal remedies available under the law.
Earlier this month, the Sandiganbayan denied Estrada's motions seeking to dismiss the graft case and allowed the proceedings to move forward. A not guilty plea was later entered on his behalf.
Apart from the graft charge being handled by the Second Division, Estrada is also facing a separate plunder case before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division arising from the same alleged flood control scheme. The plunder charge is non-bailable, and both Estrada and his camp have repeatedly denied the accusations, maintaining that they will contest the charges in court.
The 90-day preventive suspension marks the latest development in the high-profile corruption cases involving the senator and several former public works officials.
In a resolution dated June 16, the anti-graft court directed the preventive suspension of Estrada in Criminal Case No. E-SB26CRM0004 for alleged violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The suspension will take effect once the order becomes final and will also cover any other public office he may be holding.
Under the anti-graft law, preventive suspension is mandatory for incumbent public officials facing graft charges and is intended to prevent them from influencing witnesses or interfering with the proceedings. It is not a penalty and does not constitute a finding of guilt.
The case stems from allegations that Estrada received kickbacks linked to flood control projects. Prosecutors alleged that the scheme involved about ₱573 million in illicit payouts. Former Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan and several former DPWH officials are also among those charged.
Even before the issuance of the suspension order, Estrada said he had taken steps to show that he would not use his office to influence the proceedings. He earlier declined to seek protective custody from the Senate, voluntarily surrendered after a warrant of arrest was issued, and requested the Senate Secretary to temporarily stop the release of his salary while the cases are pending.
According to Estrada, these actions were meant to demonstrate his respect for the judicial process and his determination to clear his name through the proper legal channels. He added that he remains prepared to avail himself of all legal remedies available under the law.
Earlier this month, the Sandiganbayan denied Estrada's motions seeking to dismiss the graft case and allowed the proceedings to move forward. A not guilty plea was later entered on his behalf.
Apart from the graft charge being handled by the Second Division, Estrada is also facing a separate plunder case before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division arising from the same alleged flood control scheme. The plunder charge is non-bailable, and both Estrada and his camp have repeatedly denied the accusations, maintaining that they will contest the charges in court.
The 90-day preventive suspension marks the latest development in the high-profile corruption cases involving the senator and several former public works officials.
Jun 16, 2026
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
