MANILA — A Philippine anti-graft court ordered the arrest of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada over allegations he pocketed millions of dollars in kickbacks from a flood-control project. The Sandiganbayan court barred Estrada from leaving the country as he faces the first of two corruption-related charges tied to anomalies in the project.

Estrada, 63, surrendered to authorities and posted bail, allowing him to remain free while the case proceeds. A second arrest warrant, which carries a non-bailable charge, is expected to be issued soon by the court, according to a spokesperson.

Estrada has strongly denied allegations that he received more than 570 million pesos ($9.3 million) in kickbacks, primarily from a former government public works engineer. “I intend to avail myself of every lawful means to defend myself and clear my name.”

Estrada is the son of former President Joseph Estrada, and like his father, he was an actor before entering politics. Both father and son have previously been detained on other corruption-related charges.

Several other senators and members of the House of Representatives have also been implicated in anomalies related to flood-control projects, though the Sandiganbayan’s current orders pertain specifically to Estrada’s alleged role in receiving kickbacks. The court, which specializes in graft cases involving public officials, is overseeing the proceedings under its jurisdiction over high-ranking government employees.

The allegations against Estrada stem from a broader investigation into irregularities surrounding flood-control infrastructure contracts awarded by the Department of Public Works and Highways. Court records show the kickbacks were allegedly funneled through anomalous consulting agreements linked to the project.