Sandiganbayan Orders Senator Jinggoy Estrada to Submit Travel Documents Amid Pending Charges

The Sandiganbayan's Fifth Division has mandated Senator Jinggoy Estrada to submit all necessary documentation within five days to support his request for international travel during the upcoming holiday season and early next year. This directive follows Estrada’s filing of a motion seeking approval for two separate trips: first, to Japan from December 26 to 31, and second, to Norway, Iceland, and Austria between January 5 and 15.

Presiding Associate Justice Gener Gito emphasized the importance of providing a comprehensive travel itinerary, confirmed hotel reservations, authorization to travel, and an affidavit of undertaking. Estrada participated in the hearing through video conference.

However, the prosecution voiced objections during the proceedings, noting that Estrada remains subject to an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) connected to an ongoing investigation regarding a flood control anomaly.

Senator Estrada is currently facing plunder and graft charges before the court related to the alleged misuse of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). He has previously denounced allegations linking him to the flood control scandal as "malicious" and "outright lies."