JV Ejercito to go on ‘forced vacation’

Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito. LYN RILLON/INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

To spare the Senate from any controversy, Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said he would go on “forced vacation” starting Tuesday next week.

“I want to spare the Senate from any controversy so I will go on ‘forced vacation,'” Ejercito said in a text message to reporters on Friday.

This, after the Supreme Court’s decision upholding the preventive suspension order issued by the Sandiganbayan against him for the alleged anomalous purchase of firearms when he was still mayor of San Juan City in 2008.

But before going on “forced vacation,” Ejercito said he would deliver a privilege speech first at the Senate when its sessions resume on Monday.

He said he would serve his suspension “not because I am guilty of any wrongdoing but because I want to show respect and obedience to the courts.”

“My conscience is clear. If I will be punished because I wanted to protect and save the lives of my constituents, then so be it,” the senator added.

Ejercito said he was just sad especially because he knows that he is not guilty.

The Sandiganbayan has ordered the senator’s suspension for 90 days as he faces a graft charge in connection with the purchase of P2.1 million worth of high-powered rifles using calamity funds.

READ: JV Ejercito suspended from Senate for 90 days as he faces graft

The suspension order has been sent to the office of Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III but not implemented yet. RAM/rga