SINABI ng Palasyo na dapat igalang ang desisyon ng Sandiganbayan matapos namang iabsuwelto si dating senador Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. sa kasong plunder.
“Regardless of the sentiments to the contrary, we have to bow down to the judgment of the Sandiganbayan. We have consistently respected the independence of the Judiciary and we will continue to do so in this case as we implement the final orders of the anti-graft court on the matter,” sabi ni Presidential Spokesperson at Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo.
Idinagdag ni Panelo na susundin ng Palasyo ang naging hatol ng anti-graft court matapos mapawang-sala si Revilla, bagamat napatunayang guilty ang tinaguriang reyna ng pork barrel scam na si Janet Lim-Napoles at si Richard Cambe.
“The Judiciary has performed its constitutional duty of dispensing justice. While justice grinds so slow most of the time, it does grind, and when it stops it renders a verdict that is exacting and immutable,” giit ni Panelo.
Idinagdag ni Panelo na maaari pa rin namang iapela ang kaso.
“Nevertheless, we note that either party, whether for the prosecution or the defense, who feels aggrieved of the decision may still pursue remedies available under our procedural laws,” ayon pa kay Panelo.
Tiniyak ni Panelo na gumagawa na ng hakbang ang administrasyon para hindi na maulit ang pangyayari.
“In any event, this Administration takes stock of the lessons learned from cases involving unconstitutional discretionary funds and has implemented measures to ensure the integrity of the national budget and its proper utilization for our people,” sabi pa ni Panelo.