Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada attended his arraignment by videoconference on Thursday, June 4, citing osteoarthritis in both knees, as the Sandiganbayan Second Division entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf in a graft case linked to the flood control projects scandal.
Estrada’s lawyer, Atty. Noel Ostrea, told the anti-graft court that the senator’s condition prevented him from appearing in person, prompting his request to participate remotely, according to the Manila Bulletin and Philippine Star. Estrada, who appeared in a detainee’s yellow uniform, asked to be excused at one point during the proceedings because of the pain. Presiding Justice Geraldine Faith Econg allowed it but directed him to remain nearby, the Star reported.
The court first denied Estrada’s omnibus motion seeking to quash the charge, dismiss the case, and order a reinvestigation. After he declined to enter a plea, the court recorded a not-guilty plea for him.
Ostrea said the senator also has joint effusion, a buildup of excess fluid in the knee that makes even sitting difficult, and that his camp is studying a motion for hospital arrest on the grounds that ordinary medical procedures may not be enough to treat the condition, RMN Networks and the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported. The move follows earlier remarks by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who said Estrada had raised the need for knee replacement surgery when weighing whether to surrender or face arrest.
Estrada and former Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan are accused of conspiring to collect commitment fees from contractors of flood control projects. The graft case before the Second Division covers roughly P855 million worth of projects in Bulacan. The pair also face plunder and a separate graft charge before the Fifth Division tied to P573 million in alleged kickbacks, the case that led to Estrada’s detention.
Estrada’s lawyers have 10 days to explain why the senator should not be preventively suspended from office.
