JV Ejercito enters not guilty plea

Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito after posting bail for a graft charge against him over an alleged anomalous firearms purchase deal at the Sandiganbayan.INQUIRER PHOTO/RAFFY LERMA

SEN. JV Ejercito on Monday pleaded not guilty to the graft charge he is facing in the Sandiganbayan over the alleged fraudulent use of San Juan City’s calamity fund to buy P2.1-million worth of firearms when he was the mayor.

Ejercito, a son of former president turned Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, was accompanied by his lawyer Sigfrid Fortun, when he faced the antigraft tribunal’s Fifth Division for his arraignment.

“I plead not guilty, your honor,” the senator replied after clerk of court Teresa Pabulayan read the criminal information filed by the Office of the Ombudsman against him.

Speaking with reporters later, Ejercito reiterated his claim of innocence, saying he was ready to stand trial to clear his name.

“You’re not afraid if you’re not guilty. That’s why I want to finish this (trial),” said Ejercito, who had posted bail of P30,000 for his temporary liberty.

All his coaccused—former San Juan bids and awards committee members Ranulfo Dacalos, Rosalinda Marasigan, Romualdo de los Santos, Lorenza Ching and Danilo Mercardo—also pleaded not guilty.

The five, who had been ordered dismissed by the Ombudsman, handled the acquisition of the firearms.

The Ombudsman said Ejercito committed graft and technical malversation when he approved the procurement of 20 high-powered firearms from South Korea for the police in February 2008 using the city’s calamity funds.  Marlon Ramos