DOJ blocks Estrada's travel request

FACING 11 counts of graft, Senator Jinggoy Estrada has asked the Sandiganbayan to allow him to travel to Hong Kong, Japan, and Macau from March 31 to April 5.

The Department of Justice (DOJ), however, was quick to oppose the lawmaker's request, citing a precautionary hold-departure order issued by a Manila Regional Trial Court.

Labeling the senator a "flight risk," the DOJ argued that he must be barred from leaving the country to ensure his appearance in ongoing proceedings, a report by Philstar said.

This legal barrier stems from Estrada's alleged involvement in anomalous flood control projects. While he was originally linked to the 2013 fake livelihood project scandal, he now faces accusations of receiving commissions from flood control projects.

The travel request comes at a critical moment, as Estrada is mandated to file his counter-affidavit regarding the plunder charges filed before the DOJ.(Mary Angel Parac, BiPSU Comm Intern)

• Tags
• #Senator Jinggoy Estrada
• #Department of Justice (DOJ)
• #Sandiganbayan
• #graft charges
• #11 counts
• #travel request
• #Hong Kong
• #Japan
• #Macau
• #March 31–April 5
• #precautionary hold-departure order
• #Manila Regional Trial Court
• #flight risk
• #ongoing proceedings
• #fl