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Sandiganbayan Orders Arrest of Jinggoy Estrada in Flood Control Scandal

The senator isn’t new to plunder accusations, having been arrested — and acquitted — twice previously

By Pie Gonzaga May 29, 2026

jinggoy estrada arrest warrant flood control — Sen. Jinggoy Estrada’s graft cases related to the pork barrel scandal are still pending at the Sandiganbayan. Photo by Wendell Alinea/Senate of the Philippines Facebook

The Sandiganbayan has ordered an arrest warrant against Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who faces graft and plunder cases related to the flood control corruption scandal. Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan was also issued an arrest warrant.

Estrada posted a P90,000 bail on the graft case on the same afternoon the arrest warrant was issued, Friday, May 29. He may still be arrested for plunder, which is a non-bailable offense.

“Our evaluation shows that substantial public funds were deliberately funneled into designated infrastructure projects in exchange for predetermined commission fees or kickbacks,” said Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano. He added that case documents indicate that Estrada received over P573 million from illicit payouts.

This is not the first time Estrada has faced an arrest for a corruption case. In April 2001, Estrada, then the incumbent mayor of San Juan, was arrested with his father, ex-President Joseph “Erap” Estrada, for plunder. In June 2014, the senator was once again arrested on the charge of plunder, this time in relation to the pork barrel scam.

This story was updated on May 29, 2026, 6:17 p.m. to include the detail regarding Sen. Jinggoy Estrada posting bail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Sandiganbayan issue an arrest warrant against Jinggoy Estrada?

The Sandiganbayan issued an arrest warrant for Senator Jinggoy Estrada over graft and plunder charges tied to the flood control corruption scandal involving P573 million in kickbacks.

How much did Jinggoy Estrada allegedly receive from the flood control kickbacks?

Case documents from the Ombudsman indicate Estrada received over P573 million from illicit payouts connected to infrastructure projects funded by deliberate misuse of public funds.

Who else was arrested in the flood control corruption case?

Former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan was also issued an arrest warrant for plunder, a non-bailable offense, in connection with the same flood control corruption scandal.

Has Jinggoy Estrada been arrested on corruption charges before?

Yes, twice. In 2001 he was arrested for plunder alongside his father, ex-President Erap Estrada. In 2014 he was arrested again for plunder in relation to the pork barrel scam.

What did the Ombudsman say about the flood control corruption case?

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano stated that public funds were deliberately funneled into infrastructure projects in exchange for predetermined commission fees and kickbacks from involved parties.

Pie Gonzaga

Culture Writer

Pie Gonzaga is the Culture Writer of Rolling Stone Philippines, primarily covering film, TV, food, and internet culture.

Gonzaga has worked on a range of stories for print and digital formats, from an interview with Cardinal Ambo David to features on queer party organizers such as CHURCH and Club Euphoria. Her work as the magazine’s former State of Affairs Writer includes news updates on pressing issues like the flood control scandal and the missing sabungeros, and covering rallies. Under Culture, she’s written episode recaps for hit shows, film reviews, and features on restaurants and the people who run them.

Before working with Rolling Stone Philippines, she contributed lifestyle and entertainment stories for a digital news platform.

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