Jinggoy plunder trial delayed anew

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan was forced to cancel again the scheduled pre-trial hearing of detained Sen. Jinggoy Estrada’s plunder case yesterday after prosecutors admitted that they were not yet done with marking evidence.

Magistrates of the anti-graft court’s Fifth Division moved the pre-trial proceedings to Sept. 12 but stressed that they will not allow further delays.

“The court will not allow any reservation anymore. Under the rules, you present your exhibits and the defense will present their exhibits and have them marked. Let’s follow the rules,” Associate Justice Roland Jurado said.

Lawyers from the Office of the Ombudsman, led by State Prosecutor Ma. Christina Marallag-Batacan, said the prosecution is not yet finished gathering and marking documents that will be used for the trial.

Estrada’s defense lawyer, Paul Arias, expressed dismay over the delay in the proceedings because of the prosecution’s failure to be ready.

 “It’s been two years since the filing of the (charges). We don’t know why as of today they can’t complete their markings,” he complained.

Estrada, accused of being involved in the pork barrel fund scam, remains detained at the Philippine National Police custodial center in Camp Crame.

‘Head held high’

Meanwhile, Estrada took to Facebook to air his sentiments as he ends his term on June 30. He was barred by the Sandiganbayan from attending the last session days of the 16th Congress last week.

“I will leave with my head held high… because I know I was able to do my job well,” he said in Filipino.

Although he has been in jail since 2014, Estrada boasted about having a perfect attendance record in the 15th Congress and that he was absent only after he was detained on plunder charges.

He said he was able to pass pertinent measures at the Senate, including the kasambahay law, Republic Act 10361.

Estrada also urged his supporters and the rest of the Filipino people to support president-elect Rodrigo Duterte.

Estrada said goodbyes are temporary, hinting at a possible comeback after three years. – Michael Punongbayan, Christina Mendez