Sandiganbayan approves Jinggoy’s travel to Hong Kong

In this Sept. 2017 file photo, former Sen. Jose Jinggoy Estrada with his children Julian Emilio, Julienne and wife Precy after undergoing the process for release at the Sandiganbayan 5th Division Clerk of Court. At left is his brother Jude Estrada. INQUIRER PHOTO / LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines–The Sandiganbayan on Tuesday approved the request of former Senator Jinggoy Estrada for him to travel abroad from Dec. 26 to 31.

In granting Estrada’s motion to travel, the Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division has laid down conditions that Estrada needs to follow, including the submission of his itinerary, submission of his passport with Immigration stamps of his exit and return to the Philippines.

The anti-graft court said there is no more need for Estrada to post a travel bond as there is a remaining P2.6-million worth of bond from his previous trips abroad.

Previously, Estrada asked the court’s permission to allow him and his family to travel to Hong Kong.

His motion was filed a day before the acquittal and eventual release of his friend former Senator Bong Revilla Jr., who was also arrested in 2014 in relation with the multi-billion pork barrel scam.

READ: Jinggoy Estrada seeks to travel, stay in 5-star HK hotel

Revilla and Estrada were among those indicted by the Office of the Ombudsman for plunder and multiple counts of graft in connection with the P10-billion pork barrel scam. 

READ: WHAT WENT BEFORE: Napoles and the pork barrel scam

In 2017, the Sandiganbayan also allowed Estrada to travel overseas to be with his family during the holiday season. With a report from Erwin Aguilon / Radyo Inquirer / jpv