Sen. Estrada acquitted of plunder, convicted of bribery

Transcript

00:00 The Sandigan Bayan ruled on the cases filed against Senator Jingo Estrada earlier today.

00:05 Although the ruling wasn't exactly what the lawmakers' family had expected,

00:10 it at least gave them a chance to continue with their legal battle

00:13 in the hope of eventually getting a favorable decision.

00:17 Daniel Manalastas has the full details.

00:20 It was almost 9 a.m. in the morning when Senator Jingo Estrada arrived

00:27 at the Sandigan Bayan for the pronouncement on his plunder case.

00:31 He was with his family.

00:33 In a nearly 400-page decision, Sandigan Bayan 5th Division acquitted Estrada of plunder

00:40 but was found guilty for direct and indirect bribery,

00:44 which carries a jail penalty of 8 to 9 years.

00:47 A co-accused, Janet Lim Napoles, was also acquitted of plunder charges

00:52 but was found guilty for corruption of public officials.

00:56 That also entails a jail penalty if found guilty.

01:00 I did not steal any money.

01:02 I did not receive any money.

01:04 That's why I would like to thank the magistrates of the Sandigan Bayan

01:11 that after one decade, my case has already been solved.

01:16 Well, of course, even if it's just a small result,

01:21 I would like to thank the magistrates,

01:24 the Sandigan Bayan, my family who stood with me and by me.

01:33 Estrada's case on bribery is not yet final and executory,

01:38 as he is set to appeal the case.

01:40 Nothing is final, okay?

01:42 That is appealable.

01:44 We will file the necessary motion for reconsideration before the Sandigan Bayan.

01:49 Yes, I will stop and again, to the court.

01:55 Undersecretary Janela Herzito Estrada said

01:58 her father was not just acquitted but also vindicated.

02:03 And though there are still pending cases left,

02:05 they are still thankful that Estrada has been acquitted on the plunder case.

02:10 Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said

02:12 until and unless the decision of the court becomes final and executory,

02:18 Estrada is duty-bound to continue performing his functions as a senator of the republic.

02:24 Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said

02:26 Estrada has the right to pursue all legal remedies concerning the verdict

02:32 and he agrees with the Senate President that Estrada can and should continue

02:37 to fulfill his duties as elected senator.

02:40 Daniel Maranastas for The Nation.