Dismissed Sandigan Justice Ong appeals SC ruling

MANILA, Philippines — Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Gregory Ong on Wednesday appealed the Supreme Court's decision to dismiss him over his supposed links with alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles.

In his motion for reconsideration, Ong denied allegations that he ruled in favor of Napoles in dismissing a malversation case against the businesswoman for the anomalous sale of Kevlar helmets to the Philippine Marines in 1998.

He also reiterated that the junking of the case was not his personal call, but a move by a collegial body.

Ong also argued that the decision for his relief from the anti-graft court did not consider his long service in government.

In its decision on September 23, the high-court voted 8-5 with two abstentions finding Ong guilty of gross misconduct, dishonesty and impropriety.

It also cited findings from an investigation conducted by retired Associate Justice Angelo Sandoval-Gutierrez that Ong met with Napoles twice after she was acquitted from charges in connection with the Kevlar procurement.

Napoles is currently detained for plunder in connection with the alleged malversation of billions in legislative Priority Development Assistance Funds through bogus livelihood organizations. - Camille Diola with reports from Edu Punay