World · Philippines Bureau
Estrada plunder trial to hear from whistleblowers, former DPWH chief
Special prosecutors revealed Wednesday that Senator Jinggoy Estrada's plunder case before the Sandiganbayan will include testimony from whistleblowers and Manuel Bonoan, a former co-accused and ex-Department of Public Works and Highways chief.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The plunder case against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada is moving toward the presentation of witness testimony, with special prosecutors indicating that whistleblowers and former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan will take the stand during trial proceedings.
The development came during a pre-trial hearing before the Sandiganbayan's Fifth Division on Wednesday, where prosecutors outlined their evidence strategy against Estrada and three other remaining co-accused in the high-profile case.
Bonoan, who previously faced charges alongside Estrada in connection with the non-bailable plunder allegation, will be among key figures providing testimony. The involvement of whistleblowers signals the prosecution's reliance on insider accounts in building its case against the senator.
The Sandiganbayan, the country's anti-graft court, has jurisdiction over plunder cases involving public officials. The proceeding marks a significant phase in the long-running investigation into the alleged irregularities.