By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
As part of efforts to make those involved in the flood control mess liable for their actions, the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division issued an arrest warrant Monday against some personalities linked to this pressing national issue.
Chief among them is Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who voluntarily surrendered to the police on Monday to face plunder charges under Republic Act No. 7080, as amended—a non-bailable offense in contrast to the two counts of graft earlier filed against him.
In a press conference before he yielded to authorities, Estrada made it clear that he will not seek Senate protection and abandon the majority bloc while he undergoes due process.
The erring lawmaker told the media, “Hindi ko gagamitin ang Senado bilang panangga laban sa mga alegasyon sa akin. Nakahanda akong ipagtanggol ang aking sarili sa hukuman, at hindi ako magtatago sa likod ng Institusyong ito upang umiwas sa proseso.”
Meanwhile, the DILG reported that former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan was sent to the PNP General Hospital for hypertension, and will stay under hospital arrest until his condition stabilizes.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla added that the former Public Works chief was granted full security and limited access to media, clarifying that Bonoan has not been indicted yet.
Both public officials have denied the charges filed against them.
Also included in the warrant of arrest were former DPWH-National Capital Region officials Denryl Caesar Cortuna, Manny Bulusan, and Arturo Gonzales Jr.
Along with Senator Estrada, the three other co-accused are now detained at the Quezon City Jail – Male Dormitory in Payatas after the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facilitated the transfer of the detainees.
They will be sharing prison time with former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., who surrendered to authorities in January and faces charges of malversation through falsification of public documents. (with reports from Rod Lagusad, Bernard Ferrer, and Ryan Lesigues | PTV News)
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