📷House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro
House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro expressed deep disappointment over the Sandiganbayan’s decision to acquit former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile on plunder charges linked to the notorious pork barrel scam. Rep. Castro criticized the ruling, pointing out the persistent inequality in the justice system that privileges the powerful while ordinary Filipinos bear the brunt of systemic injustice.
“This acquittal is a glaring example of how justice in our country is skewed in favor of those who possess wealth and influence,” Rep. Castro stated. “It is disheartening to witness how high-profile individuals escape accountability while the common Filipino faces harsh penalties for lesser offenses.”
“Kapag mahihirap na nagnakaw o napagbintangan pa lang kulong agad at pinagbabayad din agad pero kapag mayayaman hirit agad ng house o hospital detention tapos acquitte. Ngayon sino mananagot sa nawalang pondo ng bayan?
The ruling represents a major blow to the campaign against corruption in the government, . These outcomes highlight the critical need for reforms within the Philippine judicial system to ensure impartiality and accountability in handling corruption cases.
“Ang ganitong ruling ang nagpapakita ng di magandang halimbawa sa mga kabataan na basta maimpluwensya at mapera ka ay makakalusot ka maski di mo pinapaliwanag san mo winaldas o kung kinurakot mo ang pera ng bayan,” she added.
Rep. Castro underscored the importance of pursuing judicial reforms to restore public confidence in the legal system. “The acquittal of Enrile, despite the seriousness of the charges, only strengthens the call for a thorough overhaul of our justice system to prevent further miscarriages of justice. Parang padami ng padami ang mga kaso na may krimen pero walang kriminal at minsan naman ay walang krimen pero may pinapakulong,”
She concluded by rallying the public to remain steadfast in advocating for transparency and accountability. “We must not be discouraged by these setbacks. Our commitment to genuine change and the fight against corruption must persist as we demand accountability from those in power,” Rep. Castro urged.#
