Manila: The Sandiganbayan has reaffirmed its previous decision acquitting Senator Jinggoy Estrada of charges related to the alleged misuse of PHP183 million in Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) allocations. In an eight-page ruling dated November 27, the anti-graft court dismissed the prosecution’s motion for reconsideration, which sought to reinstate Estrada’s conviction on charges of direct and indirect bribery due to concerns of ‘double jeopardy.’

According to Philippines News Agency, the court emphasized that revisiting the factual findings of Estrada’s acquittal would subject him to double jeopardy. The ruling stated, “His acquittal cannot be assailed under the guise of a motion for reconsideration as the first jeopardy has already attached.” The principle of double jeopardy protects individuals from being tried again for the same offense once a case has been concluded, either by acquittal or conviction, or otherwise without the accused’s consent.

The prosecution had contended that the Sandiga
nbayan erred in overturning the initial ruling that found Estrada guilty. They argued that the charges of indirect and direct bribery are essentially synonymous. However, the court responded by asserting that the issues raised were comprehensively addressed in the previous resolution, rendering further discussion unnecessary. “It would be a useless ritual for the Court to reiterate itself,” the Sandiganbayan noted.

Senator Estrada welcomed the court’s decision, stating that it reaffirms his innocence. “Patunay lamang ito ng matagal ko nang pinanghahawakan – ang kawalan ng basehan ng mga paratang laban sa akin; hindi ko ginamit ang pondo ng bayan para sa pansariling kapakinabangan o para pagtakpan ang anumang gawain na labag sa batas,” Estrada expressed in a statement, emphasizing the lack of basis for the allegations against him and denying any misuse of public funds for personal gain or illegal activities.

Estrada added that this vindication allows him to focus on fulfilling his duties to the more than 15
million Filipino voters who entrusted him with their mandate, and to move forward with crafting meaningful legislation.