A Philippine anti-corruption court ordered the arrest of a prominent senator on Friday over allegations he pocketed a kickback of millions of dollars in a flood-control project, in the latest crisis to entangle the Senate.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada surrendered and posted bail before the Sandiganbayan court, allowing him to remain free while the case proceeds.
The court barred Estrada from leaving the country while facing the first of two corruption-related charges in relation to the flood control project anomalies.
Another warrant for his arrest for the second charge, which is non-bailable, is expected to be issued by the court soon, top anti-corruption prosecutor Jesus Crispin Remulla said.
Estrada, 63, has strongly denied allegations mainly by a former government public works engineer that he received more than 570 million pesos (US$9.3 million) in kickbacks.
“I intend to avail myself of every lawful means to defend myself and clear my name,” Estrada said.
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