MANILA — Sen. Jinggoy Estrada vowed to exhaust legal remedies after the Sandiganbayan allowed former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan to be dropped as his co-accused and potentially testify for the government in the alleged P500-million flood control kickback scheme.
The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division voted 2-1 to grant the Office of the Ombudsman’s request to discharge Bonoan from the case, recognizing the anti-graft body’s authority to determine which accused may be tapped as a state witness.
Estrada acknowledged the ruling but made clear that his legal team would challenge the development through remedies available under the law.
“While I respect the decision of the Sandiganbayan, I wish to emphasize that there remain legal remedies available to me under our judicial system, which my legal team will carefully study and pursue at the appropriate time,” Estrada said.
“I intend to avail myself of all remedies provided under our laws,” he added.
Estrada, Bonoan and three others were charged by the Ombudsman in May over allegations that they conspired to collect more than P500 million in kickbacks from flood control projects.
The Ombudsman subsequently sought Bonoan’s discharge after the former Department of Public Works and Highways secretary agreed to cooperate with investigators.
Prosecutors said Bonoan’s cooperation could provide crucial information on how the alleged kickback operation was structured and carried out.
“His cooperation was indispensable to uncover the architecture that may have set the entire machinery in motion,” the Ombudsman said in its June 11, 2026 resolution.
In granting the Ombudsman’s request, the Sandiganbayan held that choosing an accused for possible use as a state witness falls within the anti-graft body’s prosecutorial discretion.
“The decision to move for the discharge of an accused is part of the Ombudsman’s prosecutorial discretion of who should be used as a state witness, to bolster the successful prosecution of criminal offenses,” the court said.
The anti-graft court also recognized the Ombudsman’s authority under the law to grant immunity to a person who qualifies as a state witness.
Estrada, however, maintained his confidence in the judicial process and reiterated his determination to clear his name.
“My faith in our judicial system remains firm. I will continue to stand by the truth and pursue every lawful means available to protect my rights and clear my name and honor,” he said.
Estrada and Bonoan have yet to be arraigned because of pending motions before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division.
Estrada’s arraignment is scheduled for this September 3./PN
