MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / June 23, 2014) – A second Filipino senator accused of pocketing kickbacks and commissions from his pork barrel funds has surrendered on Monday after a court ordered his arrest.
Jose ‘Jinggoy’ Ejercito Jr surrendered to his father Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, himself guilty of plunder and ousted during his presidency. The ageing Estrada accompanied his son, who was surrounded by family members and lawyers, to the police headquarters where he is being held now.
The solon is being accused of pocketing more than P180 million in kickbacks from his Priority Development Assistance Fund.
Ejercito’s half-brother, Senator John Victor Ejercito, was not around when Estrada surrendered the solon to the police. The two brothers are at odds and have not been talking to each other for a long time now despite Estrada’s efforts to reconcile the two politicians who have different mothers.
The senator repeatedly denied all the charges and accusations against him and said he is ready to defend himself. Police did not release a mug shot photo of Ejercito, but a picture showing Estrada shaking hands with Police Director Benjamin Magalong, of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
Just recently, Senator Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla, another accused in the pork barrel scam, also surrendered to authorities. Revilla, a movie action star and son of a former actor and senator, Ramon Revilla Sr, denied pocketing commissions from the pork barrel fund he allegedly channeled to a fictitious non-governmental organization operated by Janet Napoles, herself facing plunder charges.
The elder Revilla told his son to be strong as the lawmaker bid goodbye to his ageing father who previously suffered a stroke – both were in tears as they held each other tightly. The senator also met briefly with his supporters, mostly from his hometown in Cavite province, and thanked them for their loyalty.
At the police headquarters, Revilla still managed to flash a wide grin and smiled when his mug shot was taken by policemen as if he was posing for a glamour magazine. The court said Revilla had amassed as much as P242 million commissions from the scam involving government money called Priority Development Fund, an allegation strongly denied by him and his family.
Another senator, Juan Enrile, also facing similar charges, is expected to surrender soon after the court issues a warrant for his arrest.
Enrile, a key figure during the Marcos martial law regime and a prominent lawyer, questioned the allegations against him. (Mindanao Examiner)
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