(Eagle News) — The Sandiganbayan has allowed former Senator Jinggoy Estrada to go to Singapore but subject to certain conditions.
In a two-page resolution made public on Friday, the fifth division, where Estrada is facing a complaint over the alleged pork barrel scam, granted the former senator’s motion that he be allowed to accompany his father, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, in his appointment with Dr. Premkumar Pillay of the Singapore Brain-Pine Nerves Center at Mount Elizabeth Hospital from Nov. 12 to Nov. 19.
The anti-graft court said that “the right to travel is a constitutional right, which cannot be impaired except in cases provided for by law…”
The anti-graft court, however, ordered Estrada to post a travel bond amounting to P2 million, which was double the bail bond the former senator posted for the plunder charge; and P660,000,which is also double the P330,000 he posted as bail for 11 counts for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
It said Estrada was only allowed to go to Singapore during the period specified in his motion, or from Nov. 11 to Nov. 20.
Estrada has said the extra days would allow him to make the necessary preparations, and would give his father time to recuperate after the appointment.
According to the court, Estrada should, “within five days of his arrival,” advise them “personally and formally in writing.”
The former senator should also show a photocopy of his passport with the arrival stamp of the Bureau of Immigration, and authenticated by the Division Clerk of Court.
“Otherwise, his future petitions for authority to travel will be denied by this Court,” the court said.
“If the accused fails to return as undertaken, it shall be deemed as waiver of his right to be present in the hearings/trial of his cases, and trial will proceed as scheduled in his absence,” it added.
In his motion, Estrada said the Manila mayor had been complaining of severe low back pain in the first week of September.
He said the Manila mayor asked the former senator himself to accompany him during the examination and possible procedure in the hospital.