By Tracy Cabrera
MANILA — Following the filing of formal charges of plunder against Senator Jose “Jinggoy Estrada” Ejercito Jr. and several others before the Sandiganbayan, Senator Maria Imelda Josefa Remedios “Imee” Marcos described the cases filed against several of her colleagues in the majority bloc as “political persecution.”
In a statement, Marcos said the move was part of an effort by administration allies to weaken the Senate majority and consolidate political power.
She questioned the timing of the charges and criticized what she described as attempts by minority bloc senators to prevent detained or absent lawmakers from participating in Senate proceedings through online or digital means.
“The timing of these cases and the attempt by the minority, who are openly aligned with the administration, to block online participation by senators make it very clear that the cases against Jinggoy and other majority senators are not about justice or accountability,” President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM)’s elder sister said.
“This is about the desperation of the administration to hold on to power,” she added.
Marcos outlined several points defending the participation of senators facing legal cases or detention, particularly in light of ongoing Senate proceedings, including impeachment-related functions.
She stressed that lawmakers facing charges in any court are still presumed innocent under the Constitution, adding that “imprisonment at this point is not punishment since they are presumed (still without guilt).”
She reminded those supporting these developments that preventing senators from participating in Senate functions would disenfranchise millions of voters who elected them.
“Except for Ronald Dela Rosa, the senators involved are not fugitives and have complied with court orders. They did not run away. They complied with whatever court order. Their physical absence was involuntary,” she said.
She also recalled how members of the minority bloc defended the rights of former senator Leila De Lima to continue participating in legislative functions while she was detained.
ia/xf
