Groups decry special treatment for Estrada

[Updated Aug. 28, 2026, 9:05 a.m.]

MANILA, Philippines — Two political prisoner support groups on Thursday criticized the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) for the “special treatment” given to Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, who was brought to a private hospital for a tear in his left knee.

Estrada, who is detained in a Quezon City on charges of plunder, graft and bribery in relation to the flood control scandal, was on his way to the hospital for a scheduled knee X-ray on Wednesday when his camp said he felt something snap in his knee.

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READ: Jinggoy Estrada may need surgery for knee tear – doctor

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“The plunderers are treated with kid gloves while political prisoners are deprived of the basic rights to life, liberty and competent medical care,” Amanda Echanis, Laya Campaign for the Release of All Political Prisoners spokesperson, said.

For Danilo dela Fuente, Samahan ng Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto vice chair, the senator’s condition is generally not considered an emergency.

Meanwhile, BJMP spokesperson Jayrex Bustinera told the Inquirer, “The medical check-up of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada was covered by a court order.”

“BJMP was implementing a lawful court directive, not extending special treatment,” Bustinera added.

For his part, Orthopedic surgeon Fernando Syquia earlier said that Estrada may need surgery for a meniscus tear in his left knee. /mcm /mr