Sandigan imposes 90-day suspension on Jinggoy Estrada

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has imposed a preventive 90-day suspension on Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, who is facing graft and plunder charges in connection with the flood control scandal.

In a statement sent to reporters, the Sandiganbayan Second Division said that Estrada is temporarily suspended as a senator while awaiting trial for the charges against him.

In the Second Division, Estrada is facing graft charges, for which he posted bail amounting to P90,000 on May 29.

However, on June 1, the anti-graft court ordered his arrest for plunder. He is currently detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas.

This is due to the alleged kickbacks that Estrada received from flood control projects, allegedly amounting to P573 million.

The complaint was filed by the Office of the Ombudsman on May 28.

This is not the first time the Sandiganbayan has suspended Estrada as a senator due to the charges he is facing.

In July 2014, Estrada was also suspended by the anti-graft court pending litigation of his P172-million plunder case in connection with the pork barrel scam.

Under Section 13 of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, any public official facing pending criminal prosecution in court under this Act or the Revised Penal Code's bribery provisions will be suspended from office.

The provision further states that a final conviction will result in the forfeiture of all retirement or gratuity benefits, whereas an acquittal entitles the official to reinstatement and back pay, provided no separate administrative proceedings have been filed against them in the meantime.