Sandiganbayan rejects Jinggoy Estrada’s bid to set bail without hearing

Mikaela Ariar, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
July 29, 2026

(Photo Courtesy: Ariel Sadagac)

PHILIPPINES – The Sandiganbayan has rejected Senator Jinggoy Estrada’s motion to set a bail amount, with a verdict that his motion was premature.

In a July 24 resolution, the anti-graft court’s 5th Division said Estrada must first file a formal bail application and undergo a mandatory hearing before any bail amount can be set.

Estrada cited the court’s ruling in his past plunder case, but the Sandiganbayan stated bail in that situation was allowed only after an evidentiary hearing.

The Sandiganbayan added that the prior ruling cannot justify missing out the legal process.

The court emphasized that bail can only be settled after determining that an accused is eligible to it, making Estrada’s plea legally premature.