By: Hannah L. Torregoza
Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said he is grateful that after a two-year fight against a technical malversation case that was lodged against him, he was finally acquitted by the Sandiganbayan.
“All throughout this two-year process, I have been firm on two things: one, that I am innocent of the charges filed against me, and, two, that I have faith in the fairness of our judicial system,” Ejercito said.
“These beliefs have just been reaffirmed by the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division decision acquitting me from technical malversation,” the senator added.
The case stemmed from the alleged anomalous purchase of R2.1-million worth of firearms for the city’s police department during his term as San Juan City mayor in 2008.
The 32-page decision promulgated on Aug. 10, 2017, the anti-graft court ruled that the prosecution was unable to prove the senator’s guilt “on the ground of beyond reasonable doubt.”
“I thank the good justices of the Sandiganbayan for remaining true to their duty of upholding justice and fairness,” Ejercito said.
“At the moment, I am just grateful that my name has been cleared and redeemed from charges,” he said.
Ejercito said he now remains enthusiastic to serve the public as senator. He is currently chair of the Senate committee on health and demography and the committee on urban housing and resettlement.