Gov't lawyers insist Jinggoy can't hold hearings while detained

MANILA, Philippines - State prosecutors on Wednesday reiterated their objection to the request of detained Senator Jinggoy Estrada to hold committee hearings inside the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame.

In its opposition filed before the Sandiganbayan's 5th Division, the Office of the Special Prosecutor noted that the anti-graft court has yet to rule on the bail petition of Estrada.

The prosecution added that Estrada is still under preventive suspension.

"...Estrada is under suspension...which gives more reason for the denial of the motion. Indeed, to allow... Estrada to conduct committee hearings would render naught his suspension," the prosecution said.

It also cited that allowing Estrada to hold committee hearings while he is detained would be considered a special treatment.

"Indeed to give him leave to do so would amount to giving him, though undeserved, favor over and above ordinary detainees," the state prosecutors said.

Granting Estrada to conduct committee hearings would expand the persons who can visit him while in detention, they added, noting that "the law limits the person who can visit him or have conference with him".

State prosecutors also noted that the committees chaired by Estrada would continue to function despite his absence.

Estrada, now detained at the PNP Custodial Center, is facing plunder and graft charges in connection with the P10 billion pork barrel scam.