Palace ‘bows down’ to anti-graft court acquittal of Revilla

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Friday said it respects the decision of Sandiganbayan to acquit former Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. of plunder.

“The court has spoken and the Palace abides by its decision finding Ms. Janet Lim Napoles and Mr. Richard Cambe guilty and former Ramon “Bong” Revilla not liable for plunder in relation to the pork barrel scam,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

He added: “Regardless of the sentiments to the contrary, we have to bow down to the judgment of the Sandiganbayan.”

He noted that while justice in the country grinds slowly, it “renders a verdict that is exacting immutable.”

Panelo, the president’s chief legal counsel, previously served as a lawyer for Revilla.  

Sandiganbayan’s Special Division ruled that Revilla “cannot be held liable” for plunder in connection with the pork barrel scam as the prosecution failed to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

He was accused of pocketing P224.5 million worth of kickbacks.

But the same anti-graft court convicted Revilla’s former staff Cambe and Napoles, who is dubbed as the “pork barrel scam queen.”

Revilla is one of the three senators accused of funneling his Priority Development Assistance Funds to fake organizations linked to Napoles. The others are Juan Ponce Enrile and Jinggoy Estrada, who are both out of jail.

The three are all seeking Senate comebacks.