Ex-Revilla aide Cambe runs to SC to appeal plunder conviction

The former legislative aide of ex-Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., lawyer Richard Cambe, has informed the Sandiganbayan that he will appeal his plunder conviction on the pork barrel scam before the Supreme Court.

The camp of Cambe filed a formal notice at the First Division on December 27.

“Accused Cambe, by counsel, respectfully serves notice that he is appealing the decision dated December 7, 2018 of this honorable court to the honorable Supreme Court, for being contrary to law and the evidence on record,” Cambe said.

He added he is willing to “pay the proper appellate and other lawful fees along with the filing of this notice of appeal.”

The Sandiganbayan committed Cambe to the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City after finding him, together with alleged scheme mastermind Janet Lim Napoles, guilty of plunder for the misuse of Revilla’s P224.5-million Priority Development Assistance Funds, or pork barrel.

Cambe and Napoles face the sentence of reclusion perpetua and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

The Sandiganbayan, by a vote of 3-2, acquitted Revilla. It noted the prosecution failed to prove he amassed ill-gotten wealth by channeling his PDAF to the bogus foundations of Napoles.

The majority decision also said there was no evidence Cambe was acting upon the orders of Revilla when he collected PDAF kickbacks from Napoles.

Napoles, for her part, filed her appeal before the Sandiganbayan. —LDF, GMA News