Manila: Malaca±ang on Friday urged the public to respect the Sandiganbayan's decision to acquit former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and his co-accused of 15 counts of graft related to the alleged misuse of PHP172 million in Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).
According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that the acquittal is a reflection of adherence to legal standards rather than a sign of governmental leniency. In a press briefing, Castro stated, "Nagsalita na ang korte, so igalang natin. Igalang po natin kung ano ang desisyon ng korte (The court has spoken, so let us respect it. Let us respect the decision of the court)," when asked for comments on the decision, especially considering Enrile's current role as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Castro further explained that the Palace is committed to the principle of separation of powers, acknowledging the judiciary's independence. She questioned how any influence could be exerted over the court, stressing, "Papaano po tayo makakapagbigay ng anumang impluwensiya sa korte? Korte po iyan, may separation of powers at kailangan po nating igalang kasi kapag hindi po natin ginalang ang mga desisyon ng korte magiging chaotic country po tayo. So, mahirap po 'yun. Dapat nating pagtiwalaan ang ating justice system (How can we exert any influence over the court? It is a court, there is separation of powers, and we need to respect it because if we do not respect the decisions of the court, we will become a chaotic country. It is difficult. We must trust our justice system)."
Castro also noted President Marcos Jr.'s stance on legal proceedings, stating, "Ang Pangulo, ang gusto niya kapag nagsampa ng kaso hindi mabilisan, dapat kumpleto ang ebidensya dahil kapag nagkataon kaunti lamang pagkakamali especially criminal case ito any doubt at kapag hindi po naakusahan or nagkaroon ng judgment beyond reasonable doubt talaga pong magkakaroon ng acquittal (The President wants that when a case is filed, it should not be rushed. The evidence must be complete because if there are even small mistakes, especially in a criminal case, any doubt arises. If a person is not proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt, there will really be an acquittal)."
The Sandiganbayan, in its decision on Friday, also acquitted Enrile's former chief of staff, Jessica Lucila 'Gigi' Reyes, and businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles of 15 counts of graft. The anti-graft court concluded that "the prosecution failed to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt."
