Senator JV Ejercito, who was acquitted of his technical malversation charge over the use of P2.1-million calamity funds for the purchase of high-powered firearms, on Monday scored Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales for using him and Senator Gringo Honasan as “scoreboard” to pad her accomplishments.
Honasan is out on a P60,000 bail which he posted on Friday for two counts of graft he is facing for the alleged misuse of his priority development assistance funds.
“We’ve been together through the worst of times. It is just sad that Senator Honasan, who has been regarded as a hero during Edsa revolt, has been charged towards the end of his term,” said Ejercito in a media briefing.
“I don’t want to insinuate but it seemed we were made scoreboard of Ombudsman just to pad her list of accomplishments. It seemed we were included as the high-profile personalities from non-Liberal Party… it might just be a coincidence,” he said.
Ejercito was referring to the Liberal Party of former President Benigno Aquino III, who appointed Morales as Ombudsman.
Sought for his comment on Honasan’s case, Ejercito said he felt a little sad because of the timing.
“Right before the dismissal [of my case] came last Friday, Sen. Honasan’s warrant of arrest came out Thursday. I know this man—his integrity, credibility, and we have been together through the worst of times, especially during the time that we were in the opposition,” said Ejercito.
He also advised Honasan to just remain strong amid the graft charges filed against him.
“I’m sure that you know who you are and If we don’t have sin, we will just have to be confident and with God’s help, we will be able to overcome all of these challenges and trials,” he said.
Following his acquittal, Ejercito guaranteed to continue to devote his time and energy “as Senator of the Republic on the improvement of public transportation, housing, health, youth empowerment, and education.”
Since the very start, Ejercito has continously professed his innocence on the allegations that he and 14 other city officials used the 2008 calamity fund in the procurement of firearms when he was San Juan City mayor.
In a 32-page decision, SB Sixth Division chairperson Associate Justice Rodolfo Ponferrada said “ Let it be stressed that this verdict of acquittal is based on the failure of the prosecution to present proof beyond reasonable doubt that the accused indeed used the 2008 Calamity Fund of San Juan City in the procurement and payment of the subject firearms.”
He said the prosecution must overthrow the presumption of innocence with proof of guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
“It must be remembered that in criminal cases, the burden of proof is on the prosecution and unless it
discharges that burden, the accused need not even offer evidence in their behalf and they be entitled to an acquittal,” said Ponferrada.
“In view if the insufficiency of the prosecution’s evidence, both testimonial and documentary, to establish the liability of the herein accused of the offense charged in the Information, the Court finds no more reason to hold them for further trial under the present indictment,” he added.
Ponfereada said that the accused should be spared from the unnecessary burden, expense and anxiety on having to defend themselves and present witnesses in a oublic trial.