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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Sen Jinggoy Estrada loses chance to cross-examine witnesses in his graft cases due to lawyer's tardiness

Sen Jinggoy Estrada loses chance to cross-examine witnesses in his graft cases due to lawyer's tardiness

Published Jan 22, 2026 02:53 pm

At A Glance

The Sandiganbayan waived the right of Senator Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada to cross examine two witnesses in his graft cases involving alleged misuse of his P183 million priority development assistance fund (PDAF) due the tardiness of his legal counsel.
Set for cross examinations were the testimonies of former Technology Resource Center Department manager Francisco B. Figura and former National Livelihood Development Corporation (NLDC) division president Gondelina G. Amata.
However, Estrada’s lawyer, Paul Mar Arias, failed to appear before the court in time for the cross examination.
Arias’ non-appearance at the time of the cross examination prompted Figura and Amata to ask the court to dispense with their cross-examination which was approved or seconded by the prosecution.
The anti-graft court then granted Figura and Amata’s motion and scheduled the next hearing of the graft case to March 10 and April 8, 2026.
Estrada was charged with 11 counts of violations of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, for allegedly pocketing P183,793,750 from his PDAF by endorsing the fake non-government organizations (NGOs) owned by businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles in 2004.
On Jan. 19, 2024, Estrada was acquitted of his plunder charge. However, he was found guilty of one count of direct bribery and two counts of indirect bribery.
He was sentenced to eight to nine years imprisonment for his direct bribery conviction, and was also slapped with special temporary disqualification from holding public office and perpetual disqualification to vote. He was also ordered to pay a fine of P3 million.
On the other hand, he was sentenced to two to three years imprisonment for each of his indirect bribery convictions with the penalties of suspension and public censure and accessory penalties of suspension from public office, from the right to follow a profession or calling, and the right to vote.
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