Philippine arrests Senator Estrada over 570M kickbacks

A Philippine antigraft court ordered the arrest of Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Friday over allegations he received millions of dollars in kickbacks from a flood-control project. The senator surrendered to the Sandiganbayan court and posted bail, allowing him to remain free while the case proceeds, though he is barred from leaving the country.

The charges stem from allegations that Estrada received more than 570 million pesos (approximately $9.3 million) in illicit payouts related to infrastructure projects. The Office of the Ombudsman filed plunder and graft complaints against him and former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, among others. Top antigraft prosecutor Jesus Crispin Remulla said a second, non-bailable arrest warrant for Estrada is expected to be issued soon.

Estrada, 63, has strongly denied the allegations. In a statement, he said he intends to avail himself of every lawful means to defend himself and clear his name. He is the son of former President Joseph Estrada, and both have faced previous corruption-related charges.

The case is part of a wider infrastructure corruption scandal that has implicated several other lawmakers and officials. The scandal, centered on...