3 senators sign ‘pork’ report vs Enrile, Estrada, Revilla

Sen. Sergio Osmeña III. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines –  At least three senators have  signed  the draft report of  the  Senate blue ribbon committee, recommending  among  others, the filing of criminal charges against  Senators  Juan Ponce-Enrile, Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, and  Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr in connection with the pork barrel scam.

The three senators who signed the draft report were  Senators Serge Osmeña III,  Antonio Trillanes IV, and  Bam Aquino.  All of them belong to the majority bloc in the Senate.

“Signed it, yesterday (Tuesday) pa,”  Osmeña said in a text message.

Trillanes and Aquino, in separate text messages, also confirmed signing  the draft report.

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who initiated the investigation on the scam, said he has yet to read the report before making a decision.

Estrada’s half-brother, Senator JV Ejercito, said he also wants to read the report first but said he might indicate   some reservations on some of its provisions. Both Estrada and Ejercito belong to the minority bloc.

Escudero said the report must be signed by the majority members of the committee before it could be transmitted   to plenary for approval but the minority group  may also come  up with its own report on the issue.

“Kung sino ang mas maraming pirma sa komite, yun ang magiging report ng committee na isusumite sa Senado,” he said.

While the Office of the Ombudsman has ruled that there was enough basis to file charges against Enrile, Estrada, Revilla and other personalities involved in the scam,   the report also recommended the possible disbarment proceedings against the lawyers involved in the scam like Enrile and his former chief of staff, lawyer Jessica “Gigi” Reyes as well as possible ethics investigation against the three senators.

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