Senator Jinggoy Estrada denied allegations that he ordered the “hiding” of CCTV footage related to the Senate shooting incident after a video of his remarks circulated online.
Estrada on Thursday said the claims were malicious and insisted that his statement was misunderstood.
“Preserve yung CCTV for future reference. Masyado namang binigay ng kulay ang pagsasalita ako,” Estrada told reporters.
The senator clarified that he wanted the footage secured as evidence and not concealed from the public.
“Of course not. Why should I keep it from the public? Kaya nga itago para i-preserve for future reference. Kasi ebidensya ’yun, eh. Ilabas natin yung ebidensya,” he said.
The controversy erupted after a shooting incident inside the Senate complex on Wednesday night amid tensions linked to the ICC arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
Estrada blamed critics and political opponents for insinuating that the Senate majority staged the incident.
“Kasi may mga malisyosong utak diyan. Sinasabi nila, kami sa majority ang nag-stage ng incident na ’yan,” he said.
He stressed that he supports a full investigation and the eventual release of the CCTV footage.
“Pagdating ng investigation, dapat ilabas talaga yung CCTV footage,” Estrada added.
The senator also defended the institution of the Senate amid growing criticism following the chaotic events surrounding dela Rosa’s stay inside the chamber.
“Kasi sino po ’yung tatakbuhan ng mga kababayan? Ang Senado na lang, ang Korte Suprema na lang,” he said.
Meanwhile, Estrada said he only learned through staff members that dela Rosa had already left the Senate premises.
He also maintained that dela Rosa was not the subject of a Philippine court-issued arrest warrant.
“How can you call it obstruction of justice? Unang-una, walang warrant of arrest galing sa local court,” Estrada said.
He added that ICC-related documents were supposedly never formally presented to Senate leadership.
The Senate shooting incident and dela Rosa’s subsequent departure from the Senate continue to fuel political tensions and calls for multiple investigations.
