No holiday furlough for Jinggoy

MANILA, Philippines - Detained Sen. Jinggoy Estrada’s motion before the Sandiganbayan for a Christmas and New Year furlough was denied yesterday for lack of merit.

Fifth Division justices said Estrada’s latest motion is similar to a previous one that he filed for him to be allowed to visit the graves of his loved ones and friends on All Saints’ Day.

“Thus, we only reiterate our previous ruling on the matter,” read the decision.

“Indeed, accused-movant, being a detention prisoner, cannot be allowed the full enjoyment of his rights, be it civil or political, just like all other detention prisoners.”

The anti-graft court said the inherent and consequent restraint in some of Estrada’s rights does not run counter to the constitutional presumption of his innocence.

“We agree with the prosecution that to allow the accused-movant to leave his detention cell will not only set a bad precedent, but will likewise be regarded as a mockery of the administration of justice,” read the decision.

“Moreover, allowing the accused to leave his detention cell in the requested period will entail additional and considerable government expenses to safeguard his security and safety.”

The Fifth Division is comprised of Associate Justices Roland Jurado, Oscar Herrera Jr. and Ma. Theresa Gomez-Estoesta. 

Estrada had asked the Sandiganbayan to let him go out of his place of detention  at Camp Crame on Dec. 25 and Dec. 31.

Prosecutors opposed his motion on grounds that it would set a bad precedent since he is charged with a non-bailable offense.