Senator Jinggoy Estrada was arrested on June 1, 2026, over plunder and graft charges linked to flood control projects worth P573 million.
The Sandiganbayan 5th Division issued an arrest warrant against Estrada before 2 pm on Monday. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla and the court confirmed the warrant. Estrada was taken to Camp Crame for booking before transfer to the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas.
At a press conference, Estrada said the case was politically motivated and he had been offered many times to leave the independent majority bloc in exchange for dismissal of the case. “Ngayon ko lang isasapubliko ito,” he said.
The Office of the Ombudsman said accountability should not be mixed with politics. Former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan was hospitalized after his blood pressure spiked while at Camp Crame.
Estrada is set for arraignment at the Sandiganbayan on June 2. He is the highest sitting official arrested in connection with the flood control scandal.
