Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada began presenting his defense evidence on October 2 for 11 graft charges related to the alleged misuse of his P183.7 million PDAF in 2004.
His legal counsel took the lead in submitting the evidence after the Sandiganbayan denied Estrada’s motion to reconsider the dismissal of his demurrer to evidence.
The court ruled that the findings in his previous plunder case do not automatically dismiss the graft charges, stating the prosecution has presented sufficient evidence for a prima facie case.
Estrada claimed he had no knowledge of the alleged scheme and did not confer with co-accused individuals regarding the PDAF projects.
The Sandiganbayan now allows Estrada to rebut the prosecution’s evidence as the trial moves forward.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 3, 2025
