Estrada’s counter-affidavit sought

THE Department of Justice (DoJ) has given a senator linked to flood control fund scandal until Thursday this week to answer plunder charges.

Justice spokesperson Raphael Niccolo L. Martinez told reporters on Tuesday that Senator Jose P. Ejercito Estrada, Jr. asked for more time to submit his counter-affidavit, and the panel of prosecutors approved the request.

Mr. Estrada was originally scheduled to file his counter-affidavit on Monday, March 9, but did not do so.

The senator also asked the anti-graft court on Tuesday for permission to travel abroad during the Holy Week, as he remains on the travel lookout list over ongoing graft charges linked to the 2014 Priority Development Assistance Fund scam.

“The precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) is a court order. As a court order, it can be revoked by order of the same court that issued it,” Mr. Martinez said. “The DoJ will oppose any motion to lift the PHDO as sufficient grounds exist that warrant its continued effectivity.”

“It will be up to the court to determine if Senator Estrada’s motion has merit. The DoJ maintains that he remains a flight risk and should not be allowed to leave the country,” he added. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking