(MANILA BULLETIN) Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said on Friday, Jan. 19 that the Senate takes due notice and respects the decision of the Sandiganbayan on the cases filed against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada.
In a statement, he added that the Senate also recognizes the fact that there are still legal remedies available to Estrada, “a sitting senator of the Philippines with a mandate emanating from over 15 million voters”, under existing laws and the Rules of Court.
The Sandiganbayan acquitted Estrada of a plunder charge involving P183.7 million out of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) from 2004 to 2012.
However, Estrada was convicted of one count of bribery and two counts of indirect bribery for which he was sentenced to a prison term ranging from eight to nine years for the former and two to three years for the latter.
Zubiri said that Estrada has the right to exhaust all legal remedies; that he can still file a Motion for Reconsideration with the Sandiganbayan and that he can still file an appeal by certiorari with the Supreme Court.
“Until and unless the decision becomes final and executory, Sen. Jinggoy is duty-bound to continue performing his functions as Senator of the Republic,” he added.
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva echoed Zubiri’s statement, saying that they fully respect Sandiganbayan’s decision on the case of their colleague.
“We believe that Senator Jinggoy has the right to pursue all legal remedies concerning the verdict. It is not yet final and executory. Thus, he can continue to fulfill his duties as a duly elected Senator of the Republic,” he said.
“We firmly believe that he will continue to stay focused on his job and carry out his duties and responsibilities in service to the nation, especially to the 15,108,625 Filipinos, who entrusted him with their votes and confidence,” he added.