Jinggoy Estrada Calls Kiko Pangilinan ‘Unfair’ After PDAF Remark
Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who is once again facing corruption charges, criticized fellow Senator Kiko Pangilinan after the latter made a remark during a Blue Ribbon Committee hearing that referenced the controversial Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam.
Earlier in the session, Senator Erwin Tulfo questioned why corruption scandals continue to resurface despite the infamous PDAF scandal, which involved bogus non-government organizations receiving government funding in a scheme linked to businesswoman Janet Napoles.
Pangilinan’s Criticism of Past Acquittals
Pangilinan emphasized that one of the key reasons corruption cases persist lies in the outcome of the PDAF trials. He pointed out that individuals accused in the PDAF scam were ultimately acquitted by the courts, which in his view set the stage for further corruption, particularly in agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“Siguro kung ‘yung Napoles cases ay nauwi dun sa abswelto ay kulong, ay baka hindi na nangyari itong mas malaking korakot. Plunder ‘yung mga kaso dun,” Pangilinan stated.
(Maybe if the Napoles cases that were acquitted were instead jailed, then maybe this larger corruption would not have happened. The cases then were plunder.)
According to Pangilinan, these acquittals should serve as a reminder that the judiciary must remain vigilant in its rulings, as the public has the right to hold it accountable.
Estrada Pushes Back
Estrada, who was previously charged with plunder over the PDAF scam but later acquitted, took issue with Pangilinan’s comments. Although Pangilinan did not name any individual, Estrada argued that the remarks indirectly targeted him.
“Mr. President, the courts have spoken with finality. To cast doubt on these decisions is not only an insult to me personally but a dangerous affront to the judiciary. It undermines the very foundation of our justice system and erodes public trust in due process,” Estrada asserted during the session.
He further demanded fairness, saying that Pangilinan’s remarks should be stricken from the official records.
Pangilinan Clarifies His Position
In response, Pangilinan reiterated that his statement was not directed at Estrada personally. Instead, he highlighted the need for stronger judicial accountability and noted that the judiciary maintains a high acquittal rate in corruption-related cases.
“Walang personalan,” Pangilinan said, stressing that his criticism was not aimed at Estrada but rather at the systemic issues within the justice system.
Estrada Stands Firm
Despite Pangilinan’s clarification, Estrada remained unconvinced. He insisted that because Pangilinan referred specifically to Napoles’ case, the remarks inevitably cast doubt on his own acquittal. For Estrada, such questioning of his acquittal equated to questioning the integrity of the courts themselves.
Senate Session Interrupted
As tensions rose during the exchange, Senate Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri intervened and called for a break in the plenary session to ease the heated discussion.