Manila: The Sandiganbayan has rejected Senator Jinggoy Estrada's request for the transfer of preliminary investigation records from the Ombudsman to the Sandiganbayan in the corruption cases against him related to the alleged misuse of legislative funds.

According to Philippines News Agency, the anti-graft court's Fifth Division issued a four-page resolution on March 12, authored by Associate Justice Maryann Corpus-Ma±alac, which denied Estrada's latest request due to lack of merit. The resolution also reaffirmed the court's earlier decision to reject his plea. The decision was supported by two other magistrates, Zaldy Trespeses and Gener Gito.

The court observed that Estrada failed to provide compelling reasons to produce the requested preliminary investigation records. He did not specify which documents he wanted transmitted, nor did he explain why these documents were necessary, material, or relevant for his presentation of evidence. Additionally, Estrada did not indicate that the existing preliminary investigation records included in the case files were insufficient for his needs.

The tribunal stated that Estrada's assertions were vague and broad, failing to adequately describe the books, papers, and documents he intended to present as evidence. Consequently, the court concluded that there was no reason to overturn its earlier ruling.

These graft cases are distinct from the plunder charges against Estrada, which involved alleged kickbacks of over PHP200 million in misuse of Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF). Estrada was acquitted of the plunder charges two years ago.