Jinggoy to surrender, says he won’t seek Senate custody

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MANILA, Philippines (2nd update: 4:15 p.m.) — Sen. Jinggoy Estrada refused to seek Senate custody as he prepared to surrender to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group on Monday, June 1, following the issuance of an arrest warrant against him in a non-bailable plunder case.

The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division ordered Estrada’s arrest over allegations that he received P573 million in kickbacks from flood control projects.

Estrada said he would also waive his Senate salary while facing the case, saying he wanted to maintain his "independence" from the chamber.

"Gusto ko magpakita sa sambayanang Pilipino na wala akong intensyon makinabang sa pondo ng bayan habang nililinis ko ang aking pangalan," Estrada said at a press conference in the Senate building. "I will not seek Senate custody." (I want to show the Filipino people that I have no intention of benefiting from public funds while I clear my name.)

Several majority senators, including Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, stood beside him while he addressed reporters.

Crying Sen. Jinggoy Estrada was accompanied by senators from the majority bloc as he surrenders to the PNP-CIDG after a warrant of arrest was issued by the Sandiganbayan against him for plunder. | @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/9EFmKA1HYb

— Ian Patrick Laqui (@IanLaquiPatrick) June 1, 2026

After the briefing, Estrada, accompanied by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, left for police headquarters Camp Crame in Quezon City for processing.

Plunder is non-bailable when evidence of guilt is strong, making the warrant a major legal development in the corruption cases tied to government flood control spending.

Estrada’s decision draws a contrast with recent questions over protective custody for senators facing arrest, as it did for Sen. Bato dela Rosa earlier in May. Dela Rosa evaded arrest under the International Criminal Court and sought the chamber's protection before he fled the premises on May 14, following a gun scare.

Estrada has yet to enter a plea before the anti-graft court. — Ian Laqui with reports from John Marwin Elao

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates.