Estrada to take stand in graft trial at Sandiganbayan

Senator Jinggoy Estrada will take the witness stand to defend himself in his graft case trial before the Sandiganbayan Second Division, his counsel announced during pretrial proceedings held Tuesday in Manila.

Estrada's legal team made the disclosure as the court prepared for the substantive phase of the case, which centers on allegations that the senator conspired with former Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan. Prosecutors have accused the two officials of coordinating to secure the inclusion of certain flood control projects in government appropriations.

The senator's decision to testify marks a significant development in the high-profile case. His counsel indicated during the proceedings that Bonoan is expected to be presented as a hostile witness in the trial.

The Sandiganbayan case is one of several legal challenges facing Estrada. The revelation of his personal testimony underscores the contested nature of the allegations, with both prosecution and defense preparing to present their respective accounts of the events in question.

Further hearings in the case are expected as the court moves forward with the full trial proceedings.