Sandigan orders arrest of JV, 5 others for graft

Senator maintains innocence in use of San Juan funds

MANILA, Philippines – The Sandiganbayan has ordered the arrest of Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito and five of his co-accused in a graft case that stemmed from the alleged misuse of the San Juan City calamity funds in 2008.

The anti-graft court’s Fifth Division chaired by Associate Justice Rafael Lagos issued the arrest warrants on Tuesday afternoon. 

Ejercito’s father, reelectionist Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, expressed fear that he would be next to face arrest, saying the Estradas were being singled out.

“They issued a warrant for JV’s arrest. Who’s next? Would it be me?” Estrada said.

“My son was jailed because he is a potential vice presidential candidate. My nephew was disqualified for overspending and was also charged with graft,” he said, referring to Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and former Laguna governor ER Ejercito. “Now, they are taking JV. I might be the next target. They are taking us all.”

Aside from JV Ejercito, ordered arrested were former San Juan city administrator Ranulfo Dacalos, treasurer Rosalinda Marasigan, lawyer Romualdo de los Santos, budget officer Lorenza Ching and engineer Danilo Mercardo.

The warrants were issued despite a pending motion for judicial determination of probable cause filed by the defense.

Estrada described the issuance of the warrant against JV as politically motivated. The mayor said JV did not commit any malversation when he bought the firearms using the calamity fund. “What malversation are they talking about? JV did not pocket any money. The gun was paid. This is too much. It’s politically motivated,” he said.

The Office of the Ombudsman filed the graft case last week, along with a separate charge of technical malversation of public funds.

The graft case was raffled off to the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division and the technical malversation case to the Sixth Division.

JV was indicted for allegedly using P2.1 million in calamity funds to buy high-powered firearms when he was still mayor of San Juan.

The Ombudsman said calamity funds are supposed to be used for disaster preparedness and quick response and not to buy guns.

JV, who filed a motion asking the Sandiganbayan to junk the charges, has yet to post bail set at P30,000 for each of the accused.

The court will hear his appeal tomorrow.

Estrada said he would advise JV to post bail.

Innocent

JV maintained his innocence on the charges and denied having committed any wrongdoing.

“I am not worried that the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant of arrest against me. I did no wrong. This case is politically motivated,” JV said.

JV said he would abide by the legal processes and prepare his defense. 

“I trust the court will conduct fair proceedings and exercise wise judgment. I hope to restore my honor and dignity as a senator of the Republic and as a former San Juan City mayor who only thought of the protection and welfare of the people of San Juan,” he said.

JV blamed politics for the revival of the issue against him, specifically the camp of San Juan City Rep. Ronaldo Zamora.

Zamora’s son, San Juan City Vice Mayor Francis Zamora, is running against reelectionist Mayor Guia Gomez, who is JV’s mother.  – With Michael Punongbayan, Jose Rodel Clapano, Marvin Sy