The public’s long wait for another ‘big fish’ to be charged over the flood control scam has finally comes into fruition as plunder raps have now been formally filed against Senator Jose ‘Jinggoy Estrada’ Ejercito Jr.
The major legal development unfolded as the Office of the Ombudsman submitted complaints for graft and malversation against the eldest son of former president Joseph ‘Erap’ Estrada before the Sandiganbayan over alleged anomalies in the government’s flood control projects.
According to the complainants’ lawyer, Atty. Mico Clavano, the charges include alleged violations of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, in connection with the implementation and handling of the infrastructure projects.
Included in the complaints are Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Manuel ‘Manny’ Bonoan, former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, former DPWH-NCR regional firector Gerald Polensia along with Henry Alcantara, Bonding Ratan, Dendry Lester Fortuna, Mario Bulusan, Arturo Gonzales and several other individuals allegedly involved in the projects.
The charges follow the Department of Justice (DoJ)’s recommendation linking the younger Estrada to supposed irregular budget insertions that paved the way for irregularities in the implementation of infrastructure development initiatives of the DPWH.
State investigators are reportedly looking into whether the projects were properly implemented and if government resources were used in accordance with procurement and anti-corruption laws.
The authorities have yet to disclose the complete details of the complaints, including the total amount involved and the specific flood control projects being investigated.
But with plunder being a non-bailable offense, the filing raises the possibility of an arrest warrant to be issued soon against the incumbent senator. As of this writing, the respondents have yet to issue their official statements regarding the allegations filed against them
However, Estrada has strongly denied the allegations, insisting that official Senate budget monitoring records show no evidence of his involvement in the national budget insertions. He has also repeatedly downplayed the accusations, stressing that he is prepared to face the case in court.