Ejercito defends Honasan, blasts Ombudsman for ‘padded’ accomplishments

Senator JV Ejercito RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Senator JV Ejercito on Monday took a swipe at Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales as he sympathized with fellow Senator Gringo Honasan who was ordered arrested for graft.

READ: Honasan ordered arrested for graft

Although saying he did not want to “insinuate anything,” Ejercito said he and Honasan were seemed to have been used by the Ombudsman to “pad her list of accomplishments” of filing cases against high-profile personalities.

“I don’t want to insinuate pero para kaming ginawang (but it seems we’re being turned into a) scoreboard ng (of the) Ombudsman just to pad her list of accomplishments,” Ejercito said in a press conference at the Senate.

“Mukhang kami ang sinama na high-profile personalities that are not Liberal Party so baka coincidence lang (Looks like we were included as the high-profile personalities that are not Liberal Party so maybe it’s just coincidence),” he said.

Ejercito and Honasan were both members of the opposition during the Aquino administration.

Last week, the Sandiganbayan dismissed the criminal case of technical malversation filed against Ejercito and other former San Juan City officials in connection with the use of P2.1-million calamity fund for the purchase of high-powered firearms for the local police.

Few days after Ejercito’s acquittal, the anti-graft court ordered the arrest of Honasan for graft over the alleged anomalous disbursement of his P30-million Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF) in 2012.

Like many senators, Ejercito also vouched for Honasan’s integrity.

“I know this man—his integrity and credibility. We’ve been together through the worst of times especially during the times we were both in opposition. Nakakalungkot (it is saddening) that Senator Honasan has been regarded as hero during the Edsa revolution at dito pa sa huli, kung kailan siya nagkaroon ng kaso (and here at the end, where he had a case),” he said.

Honasan, a former soldier, gained prominence after he played a key role in the events that led to the Edsa revolution in 1986.

Asked to give an advice to Honasan, Ejercito said: “To Senator Honasan, just remain strong and I’m sure. I know who you are. Kapag wala naman tayong kasalanan (If we are innocent), we just have to be confident and with God’s help, we’ll be able to overcome all of these challenges and trials.” JPV