Sandiganbayan has allowed former Senator Jinggoy Estrada to travel abroad to accompany his mother, former Senator and former First Lady Loi Ejercito, in a medical check-up. In a resolution signed on Monday by Acting Chairperson Maryann Corpus-Mañalac and Associate Justices Bayani Jacinto and Georgina Hidalgo, Sandiganbayan granted Estrada’s trip to Singapore from October 1 to 8. Prior to the approval, Estrada’s request to travel was initially blocked by the prosecution on grounds that he might flee the country. However, Sandiganbayan reasoned that Estrada can travel abroad, based on the fact that his previous request for trips have been granted. Plus, they reasoned out that the travel bond posted by the former senator, which amounts to P2.6 million, would guarantee his return.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer October 01, 2018 05:26 UTC