Jinggoy Estrada refuses to enter plea

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada on Monday refused to enter a plea on allegations of plunder on his involvement in the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam.

The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has entered a plea of not guilty on Estrada’s behalf.

Estrada said he opted not to enter a plea because he has a pending petition before the Supreme Court questioning the Ombudsman’s decision charging him with plunder and 11 counts of violation of the Anti-Graft Law.

“I have a pending petition at the Supreme Court…The Ombudsman committed grave abuse of discretion,” Estrada told the Anti-Graft Court during his arraignment.

At the same time, Estrada also refused to enter a plea on 11 counts of graft while Napoles pleaded not guilty.

The following are the other co-accused of Estrada who were arraigned Monday:

(Refused to enter a plea and court entered ‘not guilty plea’ on their behalf)

-Mario Relampagos-11 counts of graft

-Rosario Salamida Nuñez-11 counts of graft

-Lalaine Narag Paule-11 counts of graft

-Mariou Dialino Bare-11 counts of graft

-Victor Cacal-5 counts of graft

-Rhodora Mendoza-5 counts of graft

(Those who entered not guilty plea)

-Janet Lim-Napoles-11 counts of graft

-Marie Nuñez Guanizo-four counts of graft

-Romeo Relevo-two counts of graft

-Francisco Figura-one count of graft

-Rosalinda Lacsamana – one count of graft

-Marivic Jover – 1 count of graft

-Gondelina Amata – five counts of graft

-Gregoria Buenaventura – five counts of graft

-Evelyn Sucgang – five counts of graft

-Dennis Cunanan – one count of graft

-Chita Jalandoni – five counts of graft

-Emmanuel Alexis Sevidal – four counts of graft

On the other hand, the Sandiganbayan deferred the arraignment of Consuelo Lilian Espiritu after her counsel said they intend to question the Ombudsman’s findings because no preliminary investigation was conducted on her.

Estrada, together with his former staff Pauline Labayen, alleged mastermind Janet Lim Napoles and Napoles’ ‘errand boy’ Richard De Asis are facing P183 million plunder charge.

Like Estrada, Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. also refused to enter a plea on plunder on his alleged involvement in the PDAF scam.

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Originally posted: 8:59 am | Monday, June 30th, 2014