MANILA, Philippines — Senator Jinggoy Estrada has described as 'baffling and unjust' the Department of Justice (DOJ) resolution recommending the filing of plunder and graft charges against him in connection with the alleged misuse of flood control funds. The charges stem from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam, also known as the 'pork barrel' scam, which involved the alleged diversion of billions of pesos in lawmakers' funds to fake non-governmental organizations.
In a statement, Estrada maintained his innocence, saying he had no involvement in the alleged irregularities. 'I have not benefited from any anomaly, and I will face the charges in court to clear my name,' he said. The DOJ resolution, dated May 2026, was based on evidence presented by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Commission on Audit (COA).
The case is part of a broader investigation into the PDAF scam, which has already led to the conviction of several lawmakers and businesspeople. Estrada, who was previously acquitted of plunder charges in 2019 due to insufficient evidence, now faces new allegations linked to the same scheme. The Sandiganbayan, the anti-graft court, is expected to handle the case.
