Prosecutors accused Estrada of receiving illicit kickbacks worth 573 million pesos ($9.3 million) from projects tied to flawed flood-control facilities. Plunder is a non-bailable offense under Philippine law.

Estrada, the son of former Philippine president Joseph Estrada, denied wrongdoing and said the case was politically motivated. He told reporters he would not seek Senate protection and was prepared to face the charges in court.

The scandal has fueled public anger over corruption and raised concerns about governance, while also affecting confidence in public infrastructure spending.