The Sandiganbayan Special Third Division has acquitted former Senate President and incumbent Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, his former chief of staff Jessica “Gigi” Reyes, Janet Lim-Napoles, and several others of 15 counts of graft related to the alleged misuse of ₱172 million in pork barrel funds.
In a decision promulgated on Friday, October 24, the anti-graft court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt.
“The prosecution failed to establish the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt,” the ruling stated.
The Special Third Division was formed after changes in the composition of the original Third Division due to retirements and inhibitions. Former Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang and Associate Justice Bernelito Fernandez had already retired, leaving Associate Justice Ronald Moreno as the only remaining member during Friday’s promulgation.
Associate Justice Karl Miranda, who was originally the division’s chairperson, inhibited himself from the case since he previously handled Enrile’s case while serving at the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG).
To fill the vacancies, the Sandiganbayan Special Third Division included Associate Justice Juliet San Gaspar and Associate Justice Arthur Malabaguio as temporary members for the promulgation of the decision.
Following the acquittal, the court also lifted all existing hold departure orders against Enrile, Reyes, Napoles, and the other accused.
Enrile and Napoles attended the promulgation online, while Reyes and other respondents appeared in person at the Sandiganbayan.
“I’m thankful,” Reyes said briefly after the decision was announced.