Enrile seeks bail in plunder case

By: Marc Jayson Cayabyab - 10 years ago

Senator Juan Ponce Enrile INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Juan Ponce Enrile who was detained for his plunder case filed on Monday a bail petition for his temporary liberty.

This after the Sandiganbayan, in its resolution finding probable cause against Enrile, junked his previous bail motion as being premature because he filed it before the court issued an arrest warrant for his case.

In his latest motion before the Sandiganbayan, Enrile said the evidence against him is not strong.

Enrile also said the court must not disallow him from posting bail from plunder because under jurisprudence, the prosecution must first prove that evidence is strong.

“If the Honorable Court is readily disposed to disallow Enrile from posting bail even before the prosecution establishes strong evidence of guilt, it would in effect, be a reversal of the burden of proof…” the motion read.

“(It would), thus constitute impermissible punishment at this early stage,” it added.

The motion also cited Enrile’s old age as well as his surrender to the court as mitigating factors under the law for the crime to be bailable.

The motion also said Enrile would not flee the country as he faces his charges because of his old age and poor health.

“Analogously, Enrile is not a flight risk. Enrile is already 90 years old, with poor and frail physical condition requiring constant medical attention,” the motion said.

It also said Enrile’s social stature would make him easily recognizable for him to flee his charges.

Enrile is facing plunder and graft charges over the pork barrel scam. He surrendered to the police after the court found probable cause to hold him on trial.