Lawyers of Senator Estrada files 2 motions before Sandiganbayan

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada files motion for bail. Photo by Jenny Reyes, ABS-CBN News on Facebook

MANILA — The lawyers of Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Monday silently filed two motions, one for bail and the other is to allow him to stay in the custody of the Philippine National Police in Camp Crame.

Led by his Counsel Jose Flaminiano, they asked the Fifth Division of Sandiganbayan to seriously consider their motion because “evidence of guilt is absent and at worst is not strong.”

The senator is facing plunder and graft charges in connection with the alleged pork barrel scam where he supposedly pocketed Php183.7 million in government funds.

“Sen. Estrada most respectfully prays that the Honorable Court admit him to bail in such amount as the court may fix, and order his release upon posting of bail,” Estrada’s motion read.

The motion also further claimed that Estrada is not a flight risk.

Estrada also cited his current standing as an incumbent senator and a “celebrity” as proof that he is not a flight risk.

“He is a movie actor and a celebrity. He is easily recognizable, making it impossible for him to depart any airport or port. He has always maintained that he will face charges,” the motion read.

“Therefore even though a person is charged with an offense punishable by life imprisonment such as plunder, he or she is entitled to be released on bail unless prosecution proves that evidence of guilt is strong,” the motion further said.

“The prosecution, which has the burden of proof in order for bail to be denied, has not demonstrated probable cause, much less, that evidence if guilt is strong,” it added.