KOMPRe calls for more vigilance in prosecution of Enrile, Estrada and Revilla

News Release

KOMPRe calls for more vigilance in prosecution of Enrile, Estrada and Revilla

The Koalisyon ng Mamamayan para sa Reporma (KOMPRe) reiterates its support for the reform agenda of the Aquino administration to curb corruption. The prosecution of the Senators Estrada, Revilla and Enrile who have been implicated in various schemes using the PDAF and other public funds as their personal treasury sends a strong signal that this government will exact justice for unacceptable acts of stealing from our people.

Devoid of concern for the wellbeing of many poor who have suffered from ravages of past corrupt governments, these so-called public servants thought nothing of re-allocating public money for their selfish ends. The consistent disclosure of the many whistle blowers sufficiently confirms that these are not mere allegations of wanton excesses, but are deliberate and elaborate schemes to defraud and rob the people of funds intended for better health care, education, needed infrastructure and agricultural support in a nation that has started to feel the benefits of this administration’s reform agenda.

The unrepentant demeanor of these three senators and their arrogant proclamations of injustice are attempts to mask their crime. But the people know better. We have seen the evidence presented by the many witnesses enough to know that we indeed have thieves in the Senate.

However, while we appreciate the continuing prosecution of the three senators, we call for continued vigilance for whatever schemes may be hatched to set these offenders free. As they face the severest penalties for plunder, the probability of flight becomes high.

With the High Tribunal set to decide soon on a petition filed by Estrada assaulting the Ombudsman’s ruling, reports of intense lobbying means we face a possibility where the accused may be freed. They have friends in high places and the resources to convince weaker spirits of their innocence. A Supreme Court decision granting bail will only send the signal that those who are powerful are treated differently.

We believe Senators Estrada, Revilla and Enrile must be made accountable to the Sandiganbayan and our people. We urge the Supreme Court to look out for interest of the people and ensure that justice is done.

We must be ever watchful for any attempt that seeks to deprive us of justice that it is within reach. Because while it is true that government remains committed to pursuing greater transparency in government, there remain pockets of corruption, even in supposedly sacrosanct institutions as the judiciary.