JV Ejercito pleads not guilty to graft raps

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito on Monday entered a "not guilty" plea on the graft case filed against him before the Sandiganbayan.

Ejercito and 19 other former and incumbent officials were charged with graft and technical malversation over their alleged involvement in using calamity funds to purchase high-powered firearms worth P2.1 million in 2008.

The anti-graft court earlier issued a warrant of arrest against Ejercito and former city administrator Ranulfo Dacalos, treasurer Rosalinda Marasigan, city attorney Romualdo Delos Santos, city budget officer Lorenza Ching, and city engineer Danilo Mercado for the graft case against them.

A few weeks ago, Ejercito posted bail worth P30,000 for the graft charges following the warrant of arrest issued against him.

Ejercito and 14 others are also facing technical malversation charges for the illegal use of public funds.

Sandiganbayan had also filed a hold departure order against Ejercito for the graft and technical malversation charges against him.

Meanwhile, the senator said that he is seeking justice to clear his name as this is the first case filed against him as an accused.

"We are confident that the evidence and witnesses we have will show who is right and what indeed happened. I want to get this case over and done with as soon as possible," Ejercito said in a statement posted on Facebook.