Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Jinggoy Estrada said the Sandiganbayan’s affirmation of his acquittal in the direct and indirect bribery charges in connection with the pork barrel scam proves his innocence.
In a statement, Estrada said he already expected the court’s decision, adding that he remained optimistic will once again take his side.
READ: Court affirms Sen. Estrada’s acquittal on bribery raps
To recall, the Sandiganbayan earlier decided that Estrada’s case of direct and indirect bribery has no merit or basis.
“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,” Estrada said in a statement.
“This vindication allows me to fully concentrate on the mandate entrusted to me by more than 15 million Filipino voters and move forward with crafting more meaningful legislation,” he added.