The Sandiganbayan Second Division has ordered the 90-day preventive suspension of Senator Jinggoy Estrada effective June 16 as he faces graft charges in connection with the alleged flood control kickback scheme.
The order came after prosecutors and the defense submitted their respective arguments on whether Estrada should be suspended while the criminal proceedings are ongoing.
The anti-graft court’s Second and Fifth Divisions earlier directed both parties to file their positions regarding the proposed preventive suspension.
Under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Plunder Law, courts are mandated to place incumbent public officials under preventive suspension once a valid criminal information has been filed against them.
The measure is intended to prevent possible intimidation of witnesses, tampering with evidence, or misuse of official authority during the pendency of the case.
The Sandiganbayan Second Division previously entered a not guilty plea on behalf of Estrada after the senator declined to personally enter a plea to the graft charge.
Meanwhile, Estrada and several former officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways-National Capital Region are scheduled to be arraigned on June 30 before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division on separate plunder and graft charges related to the alleged flood control anomaly.
The preventive suspension does not constitute a finding of guilt and will remain in effect while court proceedings continue.
