Jinggoy Estrada elected as Senate electoral reforms chair despite arrest
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada has been elected as the chairperson of the Senate committee on electoral reforms despite being arrested for plunder charges filed against him.
With this, he will oversee and lead deliberations legislative measures involving election laws and processes for 2028.
In an interview with reporters, Sen. Vicente "Tito" Sotto III explained that he decided to give up the chairmanship for the position in order for Estrada's staff to receive a salary.
"Patakaran sa Senado 'yun eh, na aside from the office of the senator, kailangan may committee. The budget of the committee is where the employees of the senator draw their salaries," he explained.
Estrada has been detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas since his June 1 arrest for the non-bailable plunder charge. He has posted bail for his two graft charges.
The senator is currently under a 90-day preventive suspension ordered by the Sandiganbayan on June 17. With the suspension, Estrada is barred from performing his legislative duties and receiving his salary and benefits. His office and staff, however, can continue to operate.
According to Senate Secretary Renato Bantug, the suspension also prohibits Estrada from performing as a senator-judge.
On June 22, the Senate implemented the suspension.
His plunder case stems from his alleged involvement in the flood control scandal. Estrada was named by former Department of Public Works and Highways engineer Brice Hernandez as among those who were allegedly involved in kickback schemes in Bulacan. The senator has since denied the claims.
