A Philippine anti-graft court orders the arrest of Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada following charges linked to a flood-control infrastructure project. Multiple outlets report that the Sandiganbayan, a special court handling corruption cases, issues an arrest order after Estrada is charged with plunder and graft-related offences connected to allegations that he received illicit payouts, described by sources as kickbacks amounting to about 573 million pesos (around US$9.3 million).
According to reporting, Estrada surrenders to the court and posts bail, allowing him to remain free while the case proceeds. Outlets also report that the court bars him from leaving the country in connection with at least the first case.
The articles further say the arrest comes as Estrada faces more than one corruption-related case in connection with the broader infrastructure scandal that has drawn attention to the Senate and affected public trust and economic sentiment. CNA reports that he is the first sitting lawmaker to be arrested in connection with the scandal, as described by that outlet.
