Estrada relieved over Sandiganbayan reversal

SENATE President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada felt «deeply relieved» with the Sandiganbayan Special 5th Division's decision clearing him of one count of direct bribery and two counts of indirect bribery due to insufficient evidence.

In a statement released Thursday evening, Estrada reiterated his innocence and vowed to clear his name.

«Hindi ako kailanman gumamit ng pondo ng bayan para sa pansariling interes o para pagtakpan ang anumang gawain na taliwas sa mga umiiral na batas. At higit sa lahat, pinatotohanan ng desisyong ito na hindi ko sinira ang tiwala na ibinigay sa akin ng mga mamamayan (I have never used public funds for personal gain or to cover up any activity contrary to existing laws. And above all, this decision proved that I have not broken the trust that the citizens have given me),» Estrada said.

«Bilang isang lingkod bayan, gagawin ko ang lahat sa abot ng aking makakaya, kahit gaano pa katagal, na linisin ang aking pangalan (As a public servant, I will do everything in my capacity, no matter how long it takes, to clear my name).»

Early this year, the anti-graft court acquitted Estrada of plunder charges in connection with his alleged involvement in the multibillion-peso pork barrel scam but found him guilty of one count of direct bribery and two counts of indirect bribery.

He appealed the conviction.

The senator said he still believes in the country's justice system and thanked the anti-graft court for siding with his filed motion for reconsideration.

«This experience has only further solidified my commitment to work tirelessly for the betterment of our nation as we move forward,» he said.