Philippine Senator Estrada Faces Arrest on Corruption Charges
Philippine Senator Estrada Faces Arrest Over Corruption Charges
A Philippine senator and son of a former president could soon face arrest after an anti-graft body charged him on Thursday of receiving illicit payouts in an infrastructure scandal that has slowed economic growth and hammered consumer and investor confidence.
Details of the Charges
The Office of the Ombudsman said Senator Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada has been indicted for plunder and violating anti-corruption laws after he earned "kickbacks" amounting to 573 million pesos ($9.30 million) from a scheme that defrauded infrastructure projects paid for by the national budget. Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano stated that if the court finds probable cause, warrants of arrest will be issued.
Impact of the Scandal
The corruption scandal, centered on dangerously flawed flood-control facilities across the Philippines, has shaken the graft-weary nation and tempered economic growth in recent quarters. Estrada has been jailed twice before on corruption offenses.
Political Context
His father, Joseph Estrada, was the first former president convicted of plunder. He was later pardoned by his successor, Gloria Arroyo, paving the way for his return to politics.
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