Press Release
August 24, 2016

STATEMENT OF SEN. JV EJERCITO ON THE SANDIGANBAYAN ORDER

If faced with the same situation, I WILL NOT HESITATE TO DO IT AGAIN.

I am truly saddened by the order issued by the Sandiganbayan. The order precludes me from discharging my duties as a duly elected Senator while it is hearing the case involving the purchase of firearms for the police force while I was still Mayor of San Juan City.

Let me reiterate that as San Juan City Mayor then, I felt that it was my duty to approve the purchase of firearms for our policemen as the crime situation had simply gotten out of hand. Our police force needed more than moral support as it urgently needed firepower against criminals who virtually held the city under siege. Thus, I approved the purchase of additional firearms for our police force to protect the lives and property of my constituents.

I do not regret such decision as it was my bounden duty and responsibility to protect the well-being of the city residents.

The Duterte administration knows very well that its campaign against crime and illegal drugs requires that the Philippine National Police is well-equipped to run after criminals. Our law enforcers on the ground cannot hope to subdue criminals with sheer will power unless they have adequate firepower. This is precisely what I realized during my term as City Mayor, and this is the reason why I did not hesitate to do the same thing when faced with similar circumstances in San Juan then.

I wish to make it clear that I respect the order of the court. In the same breath, however, I am fighting this legal battle without delay as deep in my heart I KNOW I DID THE RIGHT THING AND THAT JUSTICE IN THE END WILL BE ON MY SIDE.

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