Manila: Malaca±ang on Monday rejected allegations of selective justice following the Sandiganbayan's decision to grant bail to former senator Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr., emphasizing that the ruling was made by an independent court and not by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro addressed criticisms suggesting Revilla's temporary liberty reflected favoritism, dismissing them as misunderstandings of constitutional principles and judicial procedures.

According to Philippines News Agency, Castro highlighted that the President does not control the judiciary, underscoring the constitutional separation of powers. During a Palace briefing, she refuted claims of preferential treatment towards Revilla, who is considered an ally of the President. Castro noted that if the administration had any intent to protect Revilla, charges would not have been filed against him in the first place.

Revilla was one of the first high-profile officials charged in connection with an alleged anomalous PHP92.8-million flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan. Castro further rejected assertions that the Sandiganbayan's decision to grant bail reflected weaknesses in anti-corruption cases or poor prosecution by the Office of the Ombudsman.

She explained that Revilla was not the only accused in the case, but he was the only one granted the opportunity to post bail for temporary liberty. The petitions for bail of the other individuals involved were not granted. Castro defended the work of the Office of the Ombudsman and state prosecutors, asserting that the bail ruling should not be seen as an indicator of their performance.

The proceedings are still ongoing, and the bail ruling is not a final judgment on the merits of the case. The Sandiganbayan Third Division granted Revilla's petition for bail last week, after ruling that prosecutors failed to demonstrate strong evidence of guilt during the bail proceedings. Revilla posted a PHP1-million cash bond and was released pending trial.