Manila: Senator Jinggoy Estrada surrendered to the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) after the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division issued a second arrest warrant against him in a non-bailable plunder case. The arrest warrant followed another issued by the Sandiganbayan Second Division in a bailable graft case, for which Estrada posted PHP90,000 bail.

According to Philippines News Agency, Estrada declared he would not seek Senate custody or use his position as a shield from the charges. Estrada emphasized his readiness to defend himself in court, asserting that the allegations lack basis. He instructed the Senate Secretary to withhold his salary during the proceedings to demonstrate his commitment to clearing his name without benefiting from public funds.

Estrada arrived at the CIDG with Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano and expressed his intent to remain with the majority bloc under Cayetano's leadership despite facing pressure. He claimed that he had been offered case dismissal in exchange for leaving the independent majority bloc but refused the offers, denying involvement in the alleged scheme.

Estrada cited the Senate Legislative Budget Research and Monitoring Office's statement to the Ombudsman, which reported no evidence of his involvement in the 2025 national budget manipulations. During a press briefing, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla disclosed that Cayetano attempted to stop Estrada's arrest by invoking senators' immunity, but Remulla dismissed the claim, noting past incidents that undermined the privilege.

Remulla further clarified that Estrada had not voluntarily surrendered, emphasizing his arrest. Estrada's co-accused, including former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan and other officials, are in custody. Bonoan was hospitalized due to high blood pressure.

Estrada's legal troubles trace back to 2014 charges related to the Priority Development Assistance Fund scam. Although acquitted of plunder in January 2024, he was convicted of bribery. The new plunder case involves alleged kickbacks from flood control projects, which Estrada denies.