World · Philippines Bureau
Estrada, Marcoleta legal teams deny knowledge of bail claims
The legal representatives of two detained senators said Thursday they had no information supporting reports that the Sandiganbayan may grant them bail in their plunder cases.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Lawyers for detained Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta stated they were unaware of assertions that the anti-graft court would soon release their clients on bail.
The claim was made by retired columnist Ramon Tulfo, who cited unnamed sources in reporting that both senators would be granted bail by the Sandiganbayan in their respective plunder cases. However, the legal counsels representing Estrada and Marcoleta said they had received no such information from the court.
The denial highlights the disconnect between media reports and official court proceedings as the two senators remain in detention. The Sandiganbayan has not issued any public announcement regarding bail decisions in their cases.
Both senators face plunder charges related to allegedly fraudulent fund disbursements. The case remains under judicial review, with no timeline announced for bail hearings or determinations.
The development underscores ongoing legal battles that have captivated public attention and raised questions about the trajectory of their cases before the country's highest anti-corruption court.