Jinggoy Estrada on DOJ reco for plunder, graft charges: 'Unfortunate development'

Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Tuesday described as "baffling" and "unjust" the Department of Justice (DOJ) recommendation for the Ombudsman to file plunder and graft charges against him and other officials over the alleged bid rigging of government projects for kickbacks.

On Monday, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the DOJ asked the anti-graft body to file charges against Estrada, former Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan and other personalities including:

• Bong Dinglasan, DPWH Assistant District Engineer, North Manila
• Denryl Caesar Cortuna , Assistant District Engineer, North Manila
• Manny Bulusan, District Engineer, South Manila
• Arturo L. Gonzales, Jr.
• several John/Jane Does

"This is an unfortunate development," Estrada said in a news release.

"I find this baffling and unjust, considering that the Senate Legislative Budget Research and Monitoring Office (LBRMO) categorically stated that there is no record showing that I introduced any insertions into the 2025 national budget," he said.

Estrada said following the lack of records of his alleged insertions prompted him to file an omnibus motion to the DOJ to reopen the preliminary investigation into the cases filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) as regards the flood management projects.

"Due process and fairness demand that all relevant evidence and official findings be fully considered before conclusions are drawn," the senator said.

"Nonetheless, I remain committed to addressing these allegations through the proper legal processes, and I am confident that the truth, supported by facts and official records, will ultimately prevail," he added. —VAL, GMA News