Sen. Jinggoy Estrada said that he will pursue all available legal remedies after the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division dropped former Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan as a coaccused in the plunder case.
In a statement, Estrada said he respected the decision of the anti-graft court but stressed that he still had other legal options available.
‘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 Tuesday.
‘I intend to avail myself of all remedies provided under our laws,’ he added.
Estrada said the Sandiganbayan’s decision did not end his legal recourse, adding that he would continue to rely on due process and the rule of law.
‘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.
His statement came as the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division dropped the plunder and graft charges against Bonoan, who was accused alongside Estrada and several Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials over an alleged scheme involving P573 million in kickbacks.
Bonoan had been the subject of a bid by the Office of the Ombudsman to discharge him as an accused and turn him into a state witness in other flood control corruption cases.
He had also testified before the Sandiganbayan in the case against former Sen. Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr., where he claimed that all senators in 2024 had availed themselves of a ‘leadership fund’ allotted by the DPWH under the 2025 national budget