Jinggoy Estrada clarifies 'itago ang CCTV' remark after Senate shooting

Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Friday clarified that his remark about “hiding” closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage following the recent shooting at the Senate was meant to ensure the preservation of evidence.

In a report by Mariz Umali on "24 Oras," Estrada addressed online discussions that questioned his statement, which was captured during a live video taken shortly after the incident.

“I-preserve yung CCTV for future reference. Why should I keep it in public? Kaya nga, itago para i-preserve for future reference. Ebidensya ‘yun eh,” Estrada said.

(Preserve the CCTV for future reference. Why should I keep it in public? That’s why it should be kept—to preserve it for future reference. That is evidence.)

He added that the footage could even be released if deemed appropriate.

“Kung puwede nga lang ilabas kaagad yung CCTV, dapat ilabas na,” he said.

(If it were possible to release the CCTV immediately, then it should be released.)

Estrada said his statement had been misinterpreted and “given a different meaning” by some media outlets and online platforms, though he did not name any specific organization.

“Siyempre e… parang may nasa loob ng building ng Senado, tapos makakarinig ka ng putok ng baril. Hindi ka ba matataranta?” he said.

(Of course… it’s like there’s someone inside the Senate building, then you hear gunshots. Wouldn’t you panic?)

Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano supported Estrada’s clarification, saying the intent was to secure the footage.

“Agad kong sinabi… secure the CCTV room. So nung sinabi ni Jinggoy na itago, ang ibig niya sabihin make sure walang makakuha,” Cayetano said.

(I immediately said… secure the CCTV room. So when Jinggoy said to hide it, he meant to make sure no one could take it.)

The Philippine National Police said it has already obtained and is reviewing CCTV footage from both inside and outside the Senate premises as part of its investigation into the shooting. — Sherylin Untalan/BAP, GMA News