Jinggoy still keen on seeking higher post even after ‘pork’ scandal

Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Thursday said his plan to seek a higher post in the 2016 elections remains even after his name was dragged in the alleged pork barrel scandal.

At a press briefing, Estrada said he intends to continue his political career if he gets acquitted in the plunder and graft cases in connection with the alleged anomaly.

"I already dedicated my life for almost three decades to public service. If I get acquitted here, I will continue to serve the people," he told Senate reporters.

"I was perceived to be running for higher office before. Wala pa namang pagbabago sa mga plano," Estrada added.

The son of former President and now Manila mayor Joseph Estrada, however, said he has not discussed any of his future political plans with Vice President Jejomar Binay, who plans to run for president in 2016.

Both Estrada and Binay are aligned with the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

Earlier this month, the Office of the Ombudsman filed plunder and graft charges against Estrada, Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile, and Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. for their alleged involvement in the P10-billion pork barrel scam.

Also facing the same charges is alleged pork barrel scam brains Janet Lim-Napoles, who is currently detained at Fort Sto. Domingo over a separate serious illegal detention case.

The three senators are being accused of pocketing millions in kickbacks from their Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) by diverting allocations to bogus foundations linked to Napoles.

Revilla had also earlier expressed intention to run for president in 2016. —KBK, GMA News