The Sandiganbayan Second Division has issued an arrest warrant and a hold departure order (HDO) against Senator Jinggoy Estrada in connection with a graft case involving alleged kickbacks from government-funded flood control projects.

The case was filed by the Office of the Ombudsman, which accused Estrada and several co-accused of irregularities and corruption linked to infrastructure projects intended for flood mitigation.

According to a report, the court’s Second Division, which is responsible for handling graft-related cases, found sufficient basis to issue the warrant and prevent the senator from leaving the country while legal proceedings are ongoing.

The arrest warrant means Estrada may be taken into custody by authorities to face the charges in court, while the HDO ensures that he remains within Philippine jurisdiction as the case progresses.

The allegations stem from supposed kickbacks connected to public funds allocated for flood control projects, which are meant to reduce flooding risks in vulnerable areas.

The Office of the Ombudsman previously filed the complaint as part of its continuing anti-corruption efforts against public officials and contractors allegedly involved in anomalous transactions.

Estrada, a sitting senator, is now expected to respond to the court’s order and participate in the judicial process as the Sandiganbayan continues hearing the case.The development adds to ongoing scrutiny of public infrastructure spending and accountability in government projects.Authorities have yet to disclose further procedural details regarding his possible arrest and court appearance schedule.