Court denies Estrada’s TRO request for Brice Hernandez — lawyer

A San Juan court has denied Senator Jinggoy Estrada’s preliminary request for the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) against former Bulacan first district assistant engineer Brice Hernandez, a lawyer said Monday.

Lawyer Ernest Levanza, Hernandez’ legal counsel, said this was over the injunction case Estrada filed with the San Juan RTC Branch 160.

“In the said Resolution, the Court Denied the Senator’s prayer for a TRO against Brice,” he said in a message to GMA News Online.

Levanza said the TRO was to prevent Hernandez from making allegations against Estrada in relation to anomalous flood control projects.

He clarified that the case is ongoing and what was denied was Estrada’s preliminary prayer.

A dispositive portion of the court order stated: "From the foregoing, it is clear that the requisite extreme urgency warranting the issuance of a TRO is no longer present. Wherefore, premises considered, plaintiff's TRO application is denied."

The court set the hearing on Estrada's application for writ of preliminary injunction on November 12. 2025, 9:30 a.m.

In a statement, Estrada's office said the court resolution included a categorical reminder that any further public statements or discussions regarding the subject matter of the case are already covered by the sub judice rule. 

It added that Estrada fully respects and will abide by the court resolution, "consistent with his unwavering faith in the rule of law and the integrity of our courts. He maintains that the proper forum for the vindication of rights is the courtroom, not the media."

It further said that the senator will continue to pursue all legal remedies available to ensure accountability for those who violate his rights, spread falsehoods, or attempt to tarnish his hard-earned reputation.

"Senator Estrada remains confident that the truth will prevail through due process and the impartial administration of justice," the statement read.

To remind, it was Hernandez who linked Estrada to alleged anomalous flood control projects during the inquiry of the House Infrastructure Committee, alleging that the latter received 30% “SOP” from the projects.

Estrada previously denied the allegations against him.

In October, the senator also filed a perjury complaint against Hernandez.—AOL, GMA Integrated News