A San Juan court has rejected Senator Jinggoy Estrada’s petition for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineer Brice Hernandez.
Estrada had sought the TRO after Hernandez implicated him in the alleged anomalous flood control kickback scheme. The senator reportedly aimed to prevent Hernandez from making further accusations
Asked for a reaction, Estrada’s office clarified that only the TRO was denied, not the petition for a Writ of Preliminary Injunction.
A preliminary injunction is issued during a trial to either prohibit a person from certain actions or require them to perform specific acts.
The senator’s petition for a Writ of Preliminary Injunction is scheduled for November 12, his office said.
Estrada’s office also emphasized that any public statements or discussions regarding the case are subject to the sub judice rule, which prohibits parties from commenting on ongoing legal proceedings.
The office added that the senator will abide by the law and defend himself in court.
‘The Senator will continue to pursue all legal remedies available to ensure accountability for those who violate his rights, spread falsehoods, or attempt to tarnish his hard-earned reputation,’ Estrada’s team said in a statement to reporters on Monday.
Estrada has filed perjury charges against Hernandez, accusing the former engineer of making false statements under oath.
During a House probe into the alleged anomalous flood control projects, Hernandez claimed that Estrada inserted up to P355 million into the 2025 budget for potential kickbacks.
The senator, who has previously been convicted on bribery charges, has denied these allegations.