By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said that the Sandiganbayan affirming the decision on his acquittal on direct and indirect bribery showed proof that the allegations against him had no basis.
“Bagama’t inaasahan ko na ang desisyong ito, umasa pa rin ako na papanig sa akin ang korte dahil sa naunang desisyon ay sinabi nila na walang merito o batayan ang kasong direct at indirect bribery,” Estrada said in a statement on Monday (02 Dec 2024).
“Patunay lamang ito ng matagal ko nang pinanghahawakan – ang kawalan ng basehan ng mga paratang laban sa akin; hindi ko ginamit ang pondo ng bayan para sa pansariling kapakinabangan o para pagtakpan ang anumang gawain na labag sa batas,” he added.
Sandiganbayan denied the appeal seeking to reinstate the conviction of Estrada.
“Besides, the instant motion seeks to revisit the factual findings of Estrada’s acquittal that would place the latter in double jeopardy,” the court said.
“His acquittal cannot be assailed under the guise of a motion for reconsideration as the first jeopardy has already attached which will be discussed hereunder.”
ia/mnm
