Sandigan defers ruling on JV’s demurrer

MANILA, Philippines -  The Sandiganbayan will not rule just yet on the demurrer to evidence earlier filed by Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito seeking the dismissal of his remaining case involving the alleged anomalous purchase of P2.1 million worth of high-powered firearms during his term as mayor of San Juan City.

In a short hearing yesterday, the Sixth Division denied in open court the motion of Ejercito filed on May 22, in which he prayed to the court to “immediately” resolve his demurrer to evidence without waiting for the respective demurrers of three of his co-accused former San Juan vice mayor Francisco Zamora and former councilors Angelino Mendoza and Rolando Bernardo.

The three filed their demurrrers at around 4 p.m. yesterday. 

“This is premature...We cannot resolve (Ejercito’s demurrer) yet. The accused is charged in conspiracy with the others,” Sixth Division chairman Associate Justice Rodolfo Ponferrada said.

All four politicians and nine other respondents are facing a technical malversation case before the Sixth Division in connection with San Juan City government’s purchase of 20 units of sub-machine guns in the total amount of P2.1 million in 2008.

The Office of the Ombudsman said the firearms were purchased through direct contracting instead of a public bidding, using the city government’s calamity fund.

The ombudsman further said the accused’s resort to specific brand of firearms was in violation of government procurement laws.