Drilon on 3 senators’ plunder raps: We must accept, respect legal

By: Maila Ager - 10 years ago

Senate President Franklin Drilon. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Franklin Drilon said the filing of plunder charges against three senators and individuals allegedly involved in the “pork barrel” scam was part of the “constitutional and legal process which we must accept and respect.”

The three senators charged were Juan Ponce Enrile, Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.

“The search for truth may be painful, but this is a process that strengthens our government institutions and reinforces the trust and confidence of our people in our justice system,” Drilon said in statement shortly after the charges were filed at the Sandiganbayan on Friday.

“We are a government of laws, not of men. And no one is above the law,” he said.

Drilon expressed hope that the Sandiganbayan would set the case for speedy trial “so that the innocent would be cleared and freed, and the guilty punished and jailed.”

The Senate, he said, would abide by the process in accordance with the Constitution and laws, and any orders to be issued by the Sandiganbayan.

“We must remain vigilant so that speedy and impartial justice is served,” he said.

“Whatever the outcome, our government now has the opportunity to show that we have a functioning
legal system that can render fair, speedy and impartial justice.”

Drilon also said the filing of cases against his colleagues would not impair the work of the Senate.