MANILA, June 1 – A Filipino lawmaker whose father once held the country’s highest office voluntarily turned himself in to authorities Monday after a judicial order for his detention on corruption allegations tied to an infrastructure controversy that triggered citizen demonstrations last year.
The corruption court issued an arrest warrant for Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada on plunder charges, which carry no bail option under the country’s legal system. Anti-corruption officials filed charges last week against Estrada for breaking graft laws by accepting “kickbacks” totaling 573 million pesos ($9.3 million).
“I will not seek Senate custody,” Estrada stated to media at the Senate building, addressing the possibility of seeking protection within the legislative chamber rather than surrendering to law enforcement.
“I am ready to defend myself before the court and I will not hide behind the institution to evade the process,” he continued.
Estrada has maintained his innocence and claimed the accusations are motivated by politics. He secured bail last week for a different charge.
The graft controversy, which has focused on dangerously defective flood-prevention infrastructure throughout the Philippines, has disturbed the corruption-weary country and hampered economic expansion in recent months.
($1 = 61.7010 Philippine pesos)
