Sen. Jinggoy Estrada arrives at the Sandiganbayan in Quezon City for his arraignment on graft charges on Tuesday (June 2, 2026), which was reset to June 4 after co-accused former Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan sought a postponement due to health concerns. (PNA photo by Robert Alfiler)
The Sandiganbayan’s decision to remove former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan as an accused has prompted Sen. Jinggoy Estrada to consider further legal action in a plunder case involving alleged kickbacks worth Php 573 million.
The Fifth Division dropped the charges against Bonoan after the Office of the Ombudsman moved to discharge him from the case and use him as a cooperating witness.
Estrada remained among those accused in the alleged scheme, along with several officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Following the ruling, Estrada said his legal team would examine the remedies available under the judicial system before deciding on its next course of action.
The senator said he respected the anti-graft court’s decision but intended to use the legal processes available to defend his rights and clear his name.
The Ombudsman’s move involving Bonoan was tied to efforts to secure his cooperation in other cases concerning alleged corruption in flood control projects.
Separately, Bonoan had testified in proceedings against former Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. before the Sandiganbayan.
In that case, Bonoan alleged that senators in 2024 had availed themselves of a DPWH “leadership fund” provided under the 2025 national budget.