Press Release
September 12, 2007

Escudero questions Sandiganbayan's
different verdict on Erap, Jinggoy, Serapio

Opposition Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero wants to know how the Sandiganbayan was able to issue a split decision on the plunder charges filed against former President Joseph Estrada, Senator Jinggoy Estrada and lawyer Eduardo Serapio.

He explained that the charges against the three stemmed from allegedly conspiring to do an illegal act, and the crime of one is the crime of all. However, the graft court does not have a similar verdict on them.

"Sa aking pagkakaalam conspiracy ang charge sa kanilang tatlo, ibig sabihin ng conspiracy a crime of one is a crime of all. Kung inosente ang dalawa paano naman magiging guilty ang isa, nais kong basahin ang desisyon ng Sandiganbayan kung ano ang sinasabi nila tungkol sa bagay na ito," he said.

Even with a guilty verdict against former President Estrada, Escudero commended him for keeping a brave and humble stance in facing trials and submitting himself to court for the last six years despite doubts of different sectors about the partiality of the Sandiganbayan.

"Nais ko ring ipabatid ang pagsaludo ko kay Pangulong Estrada, sa tapang at pagpapakumbabang ipinakita niya na harapin ang mga kasong isinampa laban sa kanya sa isang legal at mapayapang pamamaraan. Ito ay pagpapakita na bagaman may duda at pag-aalinlangan ang maraming tao sa independence ng Sandiganbayan buong tapang niyang hinarap ito upang patunayan ang kanyang pagiging inosente," the senator added.

Escudero, chair of the Senate committee on justice and human rights and ways and means, is hopeful that the former leader who was ousted in a military-backed people revolt in January 2001 would obtain justice when his plunder charges are elevated to the Supreme Court

On fears that Estrada's conviction on plunder charges would lead to mass uprising and another people power, the senator believed Erap's supporters would remain peaceful in expressing their discontent on the judgment, as did the former president.

"Ang Edsa o people power na kinakatakutan nila, hindi po yan kayang pagplanuhan ng anumang grupo at kung mangyayari man yan hindi yan kayang hadlangan ng 6,000 pulis o 2,000 sundalo o anim na APC (armoured personnel carriers). Sayang lamang ang pagiging OA (over acting) nila sa takot na mangyayari sa kanila ang ginawa nila kay Pangulong Estrada noong 2001," Escudero said.

News Latest News Feed