The Palace said Tuesday the dismissal on Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.’s involvement in a corruption case would not affect the government’s anti-corruption drive.
Palace spokesman Harry Roque said President Duterte has already promised to use the remainder of his term to run after the officials involved in corruption in government.
The Sandiganbayan dismissed the graft cases against Revilla in connection with the multi-billion peso “pork barrel” fund scam due to insufficiency of evidence.
“That’s how our justice system works in the Philippines. The accused is presumed innocent until proven otherwise,” Roque said in a press briefing.
“Senator Revilla was accorded his day in court and the prosecution failed to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt,” Roque said.
However, despite the Sandiganbayan’s ruling in favor of Revilla, Roque guaranteed that Duterte would continue to run after corrupt workers in government.
“That has no impact on the government’s anti-corruption campaign because the President continues to go after corrupt government officials,” Roque added.
Revilla was detained in 2014, along with former Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, and former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile who were also charged with plunder.