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Estrada disappointed over Sandiganbayan's denial of demurrer in pork barrel case

Philippines | National

Estrada disappointed over Sandiganbayan's denial of demurrer in pork barrel case

By Hannah L. Torregoza

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada on Friday, April 4, expressed his disappointment over the Sandiganbayan’s decision to deny the demurrer to evidence he filed to dismiss the graft charges lodged against him in connection with the pork barrel scam.

“I am saddened by this turn of events, considering that the Sandiganbayan has already upheld its earlier ruling clearing my name of any involvement in the alleged misuse of Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) allocations,” Estrada said in a statement.

But while this may be a setback in his continuing quest to prove his innocence, Estrada vowed to exhaust all legal remedies, including the filing of a motion for reconsideration with the anti-graft court.

“I continue to have faith in the fairness of our justice system. I know that, in the end, the truth will be on my side,” Estrada said.

“Despite these legal challenges, I am duty-bound to continue performing my functions as a Senator of the Republic, and I will do so until I see the end of this legal battle,” he said.

In its resolution dated March 26, 2025, the Sandiganbayan’s Special Firth Division denied Estrada’s demurrer to evidence and motion to dismiss and supplement to demurrer to evidence, which he filed in February 2024, and September 2024.

The anti-graft court also denied the demurrer to evidence which former Technology Resource Center Deputy Director-General Dennis Cunanan filed in February 2024.

Related Tags

PDAF Sandiganbayan Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada pork barrel scam

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