Manila: Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Thursday filed his counter-affidavit before the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the alleged plunder complaint filed against him and others in connection with the anomalous flood control projects. Estrada declined to speak, but lawyer Bianca Soriano confirmed to the media the filing of the counter-affidavit for the alleged violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act filed against him by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

According to Philippines News Agency, Soriano stated, "We attack it based on procedural rules, specifically on the requirements of a complaint affidavit, because what NBI filed is a letter attaching an affidavit." She elaborated on the legal approach taken in Estrada's defense, highlighting issues concerning the admissibility and credibility of the evidence, which she claims will not meet the threshold required for criminal cases before the DOJ or the Ombudsman.

Estrada's counter-affidavit also raised questions about whether the charges comply with jurisprudence that necessitates prosecutors to exercise caution with testimonies from witnesses applying for the state witness protection program. Soriano emphasized that Estrada is not a flight risk and should be permitted to travel abroad, noting, "As we've seen in Sandiganbayan, he has been complying with the necessary requirements for him to be able to travel."

The DOJ had previously stated its intention to oppose any attempts by Estrada's camp to lift the precautionary hold departure order issued against him by the courts.