RTC denies Jinggoy Estrada's TRO bid vs engineer Brice Hernandez

A San Juan Regional Trial Court (RTC) denied Senator Jinggoy Estrada's petition for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against former DPWH engineer Brice Hernandez.

Estrada sought the TRO to prevent Hernandez from making further accusations against him concerning alleged anomalous flood control kickbacks in Bulacan.

The court ruled that the TRO would no longer serve its purpose as Hernandez's remarks had already circulated widely through media and social media.

Presiding Judge Caron Aicitel E. Lascano-Nethercott stated that there was no 'extreme urgency' to justify immediate relief.

The decision does not prevent Hernandez from testifying before Congress, with the court expressing 'constitutional respect' for inquiries in aid of legislation.

Estrada's application for a preliminary injunction will be heard on November 12.

The senator maintained that Hernandez's claims are false.

The court warned both parties that any further public comments about the case outside official proceedings that aim to influence or prejudge the issue are prohibited.