Estrada, 2 senators in plunder raps ‘free to leave country’—De Lima

Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Bong Revilla and Juan Ponce Enrile. LEO M. SABANGAN II

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada and the two other senators charged with plunder at the Sandiganbayan are still free to leave the country,” Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said on Wednesday.

De Lima made the statement when asked by Estrada during her confirmation hearing at the Commission on Appointments’ (CA) committee on justice and judicial bar council.

“Are the three senators on a watch list order?” Estrada said, referring to Senators Juan Ponce-Enrile and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr, who were also charged with plunder in connection with the “pork barrel” scam.

“No your honor, I have not issued any watch list order against the three senators?” De Lima said.

“So it’s safe for me to travel?” the senator asked again.

De Lima said: “Yes your honor, very safe for you to travel anytime…”

“There’s no HDO (hold departure order) yet from the Sandiganbayan and there’s no warrant of arrest yet, there’s no legal impediment (for you to travel).”

De Lima said she could not also put the three senators in a watch list order, citing the “subsisting” temporary restraining order at the Supreme Court.

But when Estrada asked for advice how long they can be allowed to be out of the country, De Lima said: “It’s not for me to give that advice your honor. It’s up to you…”

“But as I’ve said in the absence of an HDO, in the absence of a warrant of arrest, you are free to leave. But a warrant of arrest is effectively an HDO,” De Lima.

“But don’t worry ma’am, I don’t have any intentions of leaving the country for now,” Estrada said.

“Thank you,” De Lima answered.

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