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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 3 more respondents added to plunder charge vs Sen Jinggoy Estrada, 4 others -- DOJ

3 more respondents added to plunder charge vs Sen Jinggoy Estrada, 4 others -- DOJ

Published Feb 23, 2026 04:40 pm
Three more respondents have been included in the plunder charge filed against Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada and four other persons in connection with the flood control anomalies, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Monday, Feb. 23.
While the addition of three more respondents was confirmed by DOJ Spokesperson Raphael Niccolo L. Martinez, he declined to identify them until the subpoenas have been issued and received by them.
Estrada and four of his co-respondents were supposed to submit on Monday, Feb. 23, their respective counter-affidavits before the panel of prosecutors conducting the preliminary investigation of the plunder complaint filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
During the preliminary investigation, Martinez said the panel decided to give the respondents more time to file their respective counter-affidavits.
“The respondents have until March 9, 2026 to file their respective counter-affidavits,” he said.
He explained that the extension was given after the NBI filed a motion to include additional respondents.
Estrada’s original co-respondents are former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Manuel Bonoan, former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, DPWH Regional Director Gerard Opulencia, and former DPWH Bulacan First District engineer Henry Alcantara.
Last Feb. 10, Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 52 issued a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) that prevented the five respondents from leaving the Philippines.
Since there has been no case filed before the courts, the DOJ had earlier said that the five respondents have to get permission from the court that issued the PHDO before they can travel abroad.
It was not known immediately if a PHDO will also be sought for the three additional respondents.
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