Remulla to Jinggoy: Surrender or face arrest over flood control plunder raps
By Chito Chavez
At A Glance
- Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor "Jonvic" Remulla on Friday, May 29, gave embattled Senator Jinggoy Estrada two options: either voluntarily surrender or be arrested, once the Sandiganbayan issues the arrest warrants following the filing of the plunder case against him in connection with the flood control scandal.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla (File photo)
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla on Friday, May 29, gave embattled Senator Jinggoy Estrada two options: either voluntarily surrender or be arrested, once the Sandiganbayan issues the arrest warrants following the filing of the plunder case against him in connection with the flood control scandal.
Remulla issued the warning after the Office of the Ombudsman’s filing of plunder and graft cases against the senator on Thursday.
“Regarding the impending arrest of Senator Jinggoy Estrada, the options are simple: voluntary surrender or arrest. These are the standard procedures followed by law enforcement authorities in serving a warrant and do not deviate in any way from established standard operating procedures,” Remulla said.
Ombudsman said the charges stemmed from allegations involving the 2023 national budget.
Brice Ericson Hernandez, a former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officer-in-charge district engineer, accused the senator of orchestrating P355 million in budget insertions in exchange for a 30-percent cut.
Despite the grave accusations, the senator has consistently denied any involvement in the alleged flood control budget irregularities.
Ombudsman said the arrest warrant for Estrada is expected to be issued anytime soon.
The DILG chief confirmed that police forces are prepared to execute the court order immediately upon its issuance. He emphasized that the logistics of the senator's detention during the trial remain solely under the jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan.
Amid the developments, Remulla disclosed that the senator reached out to him to inform him that he needs to undergo a knee replacement surgery, but the latter explained that it is up for the Sandiganbayan to address the matter.
As the Sandiganbayan prepares to issue the warrant, the DILG maintained that its role remains strictly focused on the enforcement of the law as dictated by the court.