The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has rejected Senator Jinggoy Estrada's motion to attend the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, citing lack of merit.

In a seven-page resolution dated July 9, 2026, the anti-graft court stated that Estrada's request does not qualify as an emergency or compelling reason for temporary leave.The court emphasized that while impeachment trials are constitutionally significant, this alone does not justify granting Estrada's request.Estrada faces non-bailable plunder and graft charges related to his alleged involvement in the flood control scandal.The trial is expected to last 31 weeks, making prolonged detention impractical for attending the proceedings.

The court warned that allowing Estrada to participate would undermine preventive detention measures and effectively grant him temporary freedom with all associated privileges.This decision follows previous delays in his case due to legal challenges from co-accused individuals.