MANILA, Philippines–Former President and now Manila mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada strongly believes that history will repeat itself in the plunder and graft case of his son Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada over the pork barrel scam.
Mayor Estrada is referring to his plunder case over jueteng money with Senator Estrada as his co-accused. Senator Estrada was later acquitted by the Sandiganbayan.
“Last time I was charged, sinama si Jinggoy (Jinggoy was included). After three and a half years, he was acquitted. Ganu’n din mangyayari dito (The same will happen here),” the former president who was convicted for plunder said.
Mayor Estrada was interviewed at the sidelines of Senator Estrada’s arraignment for his “pork” scam charges on Monday.
The current Manila mayor added that his son’s case would be dismissed because of weak evidence that was rushed by the prosecutor.
“As long as he’s innocent, there’s nothing to fear. He’s very confident he can defend himself,” Mayor Estrada said.
Members of the Estrada clan were also present in Senator Estrada’s arraignment, among them his siblings Jackie and Jude, mother Luisa and wife Precy.
Mayor Estrada said they attended to express their support for the embattled senator
“Ganun din ako when I was being tried. Kumpleto din sila syempre for family support (The same happened when I was being tried. They were complete for family support),” Estrada said.
The former president was found guilty of plunder during the Arroyo administration over receiving jueteng money. He was later pardoned.
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