PNP: Warrant for second count of graft served to Estrada, Bonoan

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) served another arrest warrant for a second graft charge against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, former Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan, and their three co-accused, the agency confirmed on Thursday.

In a statement, the PNP said the new warrant was issued by the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division on June 1 for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The new warrant set bail at P90,000, but the PNP did not say whether it had been posted by the five accused.

READ: Arraignment of Estrada, Bonoan postponed

According to the PNP, it served the new warrant on Estrada and their three co-accused on Wednesday at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas, where they are being detained.

Meanwhile, police served the warrant on Bonoan earlier on Thursday at a private hospital, where he is undergoing medical treatment while under police custody.

“The PNP emphasizes that all actions undertaken were carried out strictly in line with existing rules of procedure and with full respect for constitutional rights, ensuring that court directives are executed in a lawful, orderly, and professional manner,” the police said.

The Sandiganbayan Second Division first issued arrest warrants against Estrada and Bonoan last Friday, May 29, over the first graft charge, a bailable offense. Both posted bail that afternoon.

On Monday, June 1, the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division issued a second arrest warrant against Estrada and Bonoan, along with three DPWH officials also accused in the case, for the non-bailable charge of plunder.

Estrada was arrested by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, while Bonoan and one of their co-accused later surrendered to the same police unit.

The remaining accused presented themselves before the Sandiganbayan.

Except for Bonoan, all the accused were committed to the New Quezon City Jail on Monday night.

Bonoan, however, was confined at the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame after his blood pressure spiked while he was undergoing booking procedures following his surrender on Monday.

He was transferred to a private hospital on Tuesday night, according to the PNP, which said its hospital was not adequately equipped to address Bonoan’s condition. /mcm