THE Sandiganbayan on Monday allowed former senator Jinggoy Estrada to go on a 31-day trip to the United States to attend a conference, undergo a medical consultation, and go on vacation with his family.
The anti-graft court’s Fifth Division approved Estrada’s plea to travel to the US in open court during the resumption of the former lawmaker’s trial in connection with his alleged involvement in the pork barrel fund scam.
Associate Justice Rafael Lagos, Fifth Division chairman, also ordered Estrada’s lawyers to provide his full itinerary “otherwise the court will not issue the separate resolution” on his motion.
The court granted Estrada’s motion to go abroad after he reduced the length of his trip by 10 days because persons accused at the Sandiganbayan are not allowed to travel abroad by more than one month.
Thus, Estrada will be abroad from April 30 to May 30 instead of from April 21 to May 31.
Estrada, currently out on bail, is scheduled to attend the US Pinoys For Good Governance as guest speaker during its annual general membership meeting this May 20 to be held at the Hibachi Buffet in the city of Sterling Heights, Michigan.
Estrada’s defense team cited the letter-invitation dated Feb. 7 of USP4GG president William Dechavez for the former senator to attend the event.
“Our members would like to know the latest developments in the Philippines, particularly those pertaining to the issues over extrajudicial killings, Dengvaxia mess and federalism plan,” said Dechavez.
“We know that you are in the thick of all these developments, and we are certain you can discuss the said issues thoroughly and accurately.”
Philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis reportedly chairs the USP4GG.
Similarly, Estrada said the supposed family trip was a promise, “especially to [his son] Julian when he graduated last March 17, 2015 at the OB Montessori Greenhills.”
Aside from Julian, Estrada will be joined his by his wife and other children, namely San Juan City vice-mayor Janella, Jolo and Jill.
Estrada is facing plunder and multiple graft cases for allegedly pocketing P183 million of his pork barrel funds. He posted P1.33 million last September for his temporary liberty.
