Photo credit: Jinggoy Estrada

The Sandiganbayan 5th Division has declared Senator Jinggoy Estrada "not guilty" in relation to the plunder case connected to the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) Scam.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri issued an official statement expressing the Senate's acknowledgment and respect for the Sandiganbayan's decision. Zubiri emphasized the Senate's commitment to due process and the rule of law, recognizing Estrada's right to exhaust all available legal remedies.

"The Senate takes due notice and respects the decision of the Sandiganbayan on the cases filed against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, a sitting senator of the Philippines with a mandate emanating from over 15 million voters," said Zubiri in his official statement.

He continued, "The Senate also recognizes the fact that there are still remedies available to Sen. Jinggoy under existing laws and the Rules of Court. He has the right to exhaust all of these. He can still file a Motion for Reconsideration with the Sandiganbayan; he can still file an appeal by certiorari with the Supreme Court."

Zubiri highlighted that until the decision becomes final and executory, Estrada is duty-bound to continue performing his functions as a Senator of the Republic.