Malversation case part of plot to sideline Estrada clan, allies – JV Ejercito

MANILA, Philippines – “It’s too much of a coincidence,’’ so said Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito on Monday of the filing of a malversation complaint against him with the Ombudsman.

Ejercito on Monday night confirmed he has been asked to respond to the complaint filed in 2008 by an anonymous person over the P2-million purchase of firearms by the San Juan government when he was its mayor.

The senator maintained that the deal was above-board, and expressed confidence that he could defend it.

“I have a clean record. I’ve been very careful,’’ he told reporters. He admitted the deal was fast-tracked for the city’s law and order situation. “This is my first case ever.’’

He said this coincided with reports that the Supreme Court would soon rule on the disqualification of his father, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada. He said this was “too much of a coincidence.’’

The senator expressed the belief that “certain personalities’’ in Malacañang were behind the filing of the complaints against the Estradas or Ejercitos.

“Someone told me that the intention is to disable the opposition,’’ he said. But he admitted being baffled why they would target him when he’s not running for public office in 2016.

Ejercito is facing a separate case for overspending in the 2010 elections before the Commission on Elections.

The senator’s half-brother, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, and Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Ramon Revilla Jr., are also being tried in the Sandiganbayan for plunder over the P10-billion pork barrel scam.