Jinggoy surrenders, tells children not to be ashamed

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada surrendered to the Philippine National Police on Monday morning, shortly after the Sandiganbayan ordered his arrest for the plunder charge he is facing over the pork barrel fund scam.

With a convoy of 10 cars, Estrada left his home in Quezon City around 11:20 a.m. immediately after the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division issued an arrest warrant against him.

Update: No complaints: Jinggoy meets Bong in prison

Estrada arrived at the National Police Headquarters in Camp Crame at noontime. He was accompanied by his wife, Precy, their children and his siblings, Jackie and Jude Ejercito.

"Nauubusan na 'ko ng salita, pero ito ang iniutos ng korte. Handa na 'kong harapin," Estrada said in a dzBB interview en route to the police camp in Quezon City.

Insisting he is innocent, Estrada also reminded his children not be be ashamed of their father's situation.

"Itaas n'yo parin ang noo n'yo, dahil wala akong kasalanan," Estrada said.

Read: Jinggoy ordered arrested

Estrada dropped by at No. 1 Polk Street in San Juan where his father, former President Joseph Estrada lives, before proceeding to Camp Crame where dozens of supporters were waiting for the senator.

His mother, former Sen. Loi Ejercito, said that his son should not be blamed for the Priority Development Assistance Funds scam as it was the task of the budget department to verify the credibility of fund beneficiaries.

"Mga senador walang problema. Taga-turo, taga-endorso lang naman sila. Ang talagang nakakaalam d'yan yung Department of Budget and Management. Sila nakakaalam na fake ang mga NGOs na ka-transaksyon din nila," Ejercito said in a radio interview.

Estrada would undergo booking and medical examination before entering being brought to his detention room at the PNP Custodial Center.

The senator earlier said that his surrender will not be a fanfare and discouraged his supporters from accompanying him to Camp Crame.

Estrada followed the surrender of his fellow senator and close friend, Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. Revilla also visited his father, former Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr., before turning himself in at the Sandiganbayan.