World · Philippines Bureau
Witness Calls Estrada 'Friend' During Plunder Case Bail Hearing
State witness Roberto Bernardo testified Wednesday that he considers Senator Jinggoy Estrada a friend, even as he provided testimony in the senator's plunder bail hearing before the Sandiganbayan.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Former Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, appearing as a state witness, described Senator Jinggoy Estrada as a "friend" while testifying in the senator's bail hearing for plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division on Wednesday.
Bernardo's characterization of his relationship with Estrada underscores the personal dimensions of the high-profile case. The remark came as Estrada attended the hearing, marking his first appearance during proceedings in the plunder case.
The bail hearing continues to draw scrutiny as prosecutors present evidence and witnesses in the financial misconduct allegations against the senator. Estrada faces charges related to allegedly misappropriating public funds through the Priority Development Assistance Fund scam.
The Sandiganbayan is expected to rule on Estrada's bail application as proceedings advance. The case remains one of the most significant corruption matters involving a sitting senator to reach the court in recent years.