Lakas-CMD on Revilla being cleared of graft: Truth prevailed

The Sandiganbayan's decision of clearing Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. of 16 counts of graft in connection with the pork barrel scam is a step towards restoring faith in the country's judicial system, according to the Lakas-CMD on Wednesday.

In a statement, Lakas-CMD spokesman Pangasinan Representative Christopher De Venecia said the decision has proven that Revilla is innocent of all the trumped-up charges lodged against him.

"In the end, the truth prevailed. This decision is a step in the right direction towards restoring faith and confidence in our country's judicial system," the party said.

Revilla is chairman of Lakas-CMD.

In a resolution promulgated July 1, the anti-graft court’s Special First Division granted the demurrer to evidence filed by Revilla due to insufficient evidence against him regarding the P10-billion Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam.

With 16 counts of graft, Revilla was accused of diverting his pork barrel and giving unwarranted benefit to bogus non-government organizations (NGOs), linked to businesswoman Janet Napoles, to receive kickbacks.

The Sandiganbayan acquitted Revilla of plunder over the same case in 2018. 

On Monday, Revilla said that with the acquittal, he would move forward and continue serving the public.  — RSJ, GMA News