Sandigan acquits Jinggoy of bribery over ‘pork’

MANILA, Philippines —  The Sandiganbayan reversed yesterday its earlier decision sentencing Sen. Jinggoy Estrada to up to 16 years in prison for direct and indirect bribery over the pork barrel scam.

Associate Justice Ma. Theresa Mendoza-Arcega of the anti-graft court’s Special Fifth Division granted Estrada’s motion for reconsideration.

“His conviction for one count of direct bribery and two counts of indirect bribery are hereby set aside,” the court’s decision read.

Associate Justices Rafael Lagos and Lorifel Lacap Pahimna concurred with the ruling. Associate Justices Maryann Corpus-Mañalac and Bayani Jacinto dissented.

Estrada welcomed the court’s decision.

On Jan. 19, the court found Estrada guilty of bribery over his alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam.

The court, however, acquitted Estrada and alleged pork barrel mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles of plunder over the misuse of the senator’s Priority Development Assistance Fund from 2004 to 2012.