Sandiganbayan OKs Jinggoy waiver of appearance

The Sandiganbayan has approved the waiver of appearance of former Senator Jinggoy Estrada allowing his absence while his plunder and graft cases over the multi-billion-peso pork barrel scam continue.

In the minutes of the proceedings held on October 2, the anti-graft court's Fifth Division ruled that Estrada's waiver was "sufficient in form and substance, as the same contained the conformity/signature of the said accused."

LOOK: Sandiganbayan approves ex-Sen. Jinggoy Estrada’s waiver of appearance, allowing his absence while case re: PDAF scam continue @gmanews pic.twitter.com/elf3TfVG4V

— TJ Roxas (@tj_roxas) October 6, 2017

Estrada earlier said his camp is planning to file a waiver of appearance following his temporary release.

He, nonetheless, promised to attend the court proceedings "from time to time."

The Special Fifth Division, by a vote of 3-2, allowed Estrada to post a P1.3-million bail following the resolution of the Sandiganbayan, which said there is no strong evidence to prove the former lawmaker is the "main plunderer" in the case.

Estrada is facing plunder and 11 counts of graft for allegedly pocketing P183.8-million in kickbacks by allocating his Priority Development Assistance Fund to fake non-government organizations allegedly owned by Janet Lim Napoles, the scam's alleged mastermind.

Estrada said he plans to go on a nationwide "thank you" tour to express his gratitude to his constituents who supported him despite spending more than three years in detention. He has picked Visayas as his first destination. — RSJ, GMA News