Marcoleta, Jinggoy Estrada now under Sandiganbayan jurisdiction amid impeachment trial calls

Malacañang on Wednesday said that Senators Rodante Marcoleta and Jinggoy Estrada are now under the jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan, as the former called on the Senate impeachment court to find ways to allow them to participate in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial. Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro stated that whatever the Senate's decision may be regarding Senator Marcoleta’s manifestation, it will not prevail because the jurisdiction over Senator Jinggoy and Senator Marcoleta now lies with the Sandiganbayan. Marcoleta, who is detained on plunder charges, had called on the Senate impeachment court to find ways for him and Estrada, who is detained over plunder and graft charges, to participate in the trial. According to Castro, retired Associate Justice Antonio Carpio opined that individuals detained due to graft and plunder should be suspended. She added that courts do not allow lawyers to practice their profession when detained, unless they are representing themselves, and cited that the Sandiganbayan has denied Estrada’s bail. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has maintained that the two senators should be allowed to attend the trial, viewing them as political prisoners. However, Castro suggested that the Sandiganbayan likely holds a different perspective, just as courts have their own distinct viewpoints. The jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan over senators facing plunder and graft charges is a significant legal development, potentially impacting their ability to participate in national political processes such as impeachment trials.