Senator Jinggoy Estrada’s request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) has been denied by a San Juan court in connection with his injunction case against former Bulacan first district assistant engineer Brice Hernandez.
Lawyer Ernest Levanza, counsel for Hernandez, confirmed Monday that the San Juan Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 160 denied the senator’s plea to stop Hernandez from issuing statements allegedly linking him to irregular flood control projects.
“In the said resolution, the court denied the senator’s prayer for a TRO against Brice,” Levanza told GMA News Online in a message. He said Estrada sought to stop Hernandez from issuing statements allegedly linking him to irregularities in flood control projects.
Levanza clarified that the case itself remains pending, emphasizing that only the senator’s initial plea for a TRO was denied. The dispositive portion of the court order stated: “From the foregoing, it is clear that the requisite extreme urgency warranting the issuance of a TRO is no longer present. Wherefore, premises considered, plaintiff’s TRO application is denied.”
The court also scheduled the hearing for Estrada’s application for a writ of preliminary injunction on November 12, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
In a statement, Estrada’s office noted that the resolution included a categorical reminder that further public remarks or discussions about the case fall under the sub judice rule.
The senator’s camp said Estrada “fully respects and will abide by the court resolution, consistent with his unwavering faith in the rule of law and the integrity of our courts.”
“He maintains that the proper forum for the vindication of rights is the courtroom, not the media.”
Estrada’s team further said he would continue to exhaust all legal remedies available “to ensure accountability for those who violate his rights, spread falsehoods, or attempt to tarnish his hard-earned reputation.”
“Senator Estrada remains confident that the truth will prevail through due process and the impartial administration of justice,” the statement concluded.
