De Lima: 3 'pork' senators can leave Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — The three senators charged with plunder linked to the "pork barrel" scam can freely leave the country as the Sandiganbayan has not issued an arrest warrant yet, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima confirmed.

Facing the Commission on Appointments' justice and judicial and bar council panel on Wednesday, De Lima told Senator Jinggoy Estrada that along with senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr. he will not be stopped by authorities at the airport.

"Yes, your honor. [It's] very safe for you to travel," the justice secretary said in answer to Estrada's query.

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De Lima said that there are no legal impediments for Estrada to leave. Moreover, she has not instructed the Bureau of Immigration to put the embattled lawmakers on its lookout bulletin, while the court has neither issued a hold departure order usually accompanying an arrest warrant.

The Supreme Court previously issued a temporary restraining order against the issuance of watch list orders, De Lima explained.

The DOJ has always sought stricter departure regulations against respondents of non-bailable offenses and has submitted a draft bill to Congress.

Estrada, meanwhile, claimed that De Lima was "fuming mad" when the Bureau of Immigration did not inform her about his earlier trip to the United States in November last year.

De Lima denied the allegation and said she only questioned the bureau on why she was not informed of Estrada's trip.

Meanwhile, Estrada told reporters that he has no plans of leaving and will face charges before the anti-graft court.

Watch: Jinggoy: I have no plans of leaving the country, I will face this case

The Commission on Appointments panel recommended the confirmation of De Lima after four years as chief of the justice department holding an interim position. - Camille Diola, with reports from Marvin Sy