Two justices of the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Tuesday stood by their decision to grant bail to former Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. in his P92.8-million malversation case, saying they took no offense at remarks by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla suggesting the ruling may have been improperly influenced.
The issue was raised during the continuation of Revilla’s trial over the alleged ghost projects in Pandi, Bulacan, after defense lawyer Ramon Esguerra questioned Remulla’s comments, arguing that they cast doubt on the integrity and impartiality of the anti-graft court.
In his radio program, Remulla questioned the Third Division’s decision to allow Revilla to post P1 million bail, saying it appeared that someone had “worked” behind the scenes to obtain the favorable ruling.
The Sandiganbayan Third Division voted 2-1 to grant Revilla’s petition for bail.
Associate Justices Fritz Bryn Delos Santos and Ronald Moreno voted in favor of the petition, while Presiding Justice Karl Miranda dissented.
Delos Santos, who penned the court’s 107-page resolution granting bail, said he respects the Ombudsman’s right to express his opinion and does not consider the criticism as personal.
“Personally, I don’t take offense. It is a natural reaction,” Delos Santos said.
He stressed that judicial decisions are based solely on the law and the evidence presented before the court not on public opinion.
“At least on my end, I know that adjudication is not a popularity contest,” he added.
Moreno likewise said he was not offended by Remulla’s remarks, describing them as a natural reaction from the country’s chief anti-graft prosecutor.
“I do not take offense to the statement given by the honorable Ombudsman. It’s just natural, I am not new to this,” Moreno said.
He noted that he had previously issued several controversial rulings, including the acquittals of former Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile and former Vice President Jejomar Binay, stressing that his decisions have always been based on the evidence presented in court.
“These are unpopular decisions, but I stand by my decision,” Moreno said.
He also pointed out that he had convicted several high-profile personalities, including Moro National Liberation Front founder Nur Misuari and members of the Ampatuan clan, saying this demonstrated that he does not consistently rule in favor of the accused.
“I don’t just acquit consistently,” Moreno said.
For his part, Presiding Justice Miranda, who dissented from the majority ruling granting Revilla bail, said only that the court had taken note of Remulla’s statements.