Mayor Francis on Estrada cases: Let him prove his innocence
Mayor Francis Zamora
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora urged the public to respect and allow the legal process to take its course following the issuance of a warrant of arrest against Senator Jinggoy Estrada in connection with plunder and graft cases.
On Monday, June 1, Zamora told reporters that the senator's cases are now before the Sandiganbayan, where they can be properly heard and resolved.
“Let the court examine the evidence, determine the facts, and render judgment based on the rule of law,” he said.
“Let Senator Estrada answer the charges against him and prove his innocence before the court. Due process is not weakness; it is how accountability is done right,” the mayor added.
He acknowledged that the issue may stir strong emotions among residents, saying, “As a San Juaneño, I understand how emotional this issue can become.”
Estrada has long been associated with San Juan City, where he previously served as mayor and vice mayor.
Nevertheless, Zamora stressed that this is a time to respect the institutions and allow the legal process to take its course.
The Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division on Monday issued a warrant of arrest against Estrada and four co-accused in connection with the plunder case filed against them over alleged illegal budget insertions and more than P573 million in purported kickbacks linked to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) infrastructure and flood-control projects under the Fiscal Year 2025 budget.
The anti-graft court’s Fifth Division Clerk of Court said Estrada will be committed to the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas, where former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. is currently detained, after the Sandiganbayan ordered his arrest in connection with a plunder case.