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Sen. Ejercito to go on ‘forced vacation’ amid graft case
By Azer N. Parrocha

MANILA, Nov. 4 (PNA) -- Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito said Friday he will be going on a forced vacation starting next week as he deals with a graft case against him.

To recall, the Sandiganbayan has ordered the suspension of Ejercito and three others for 90 days in connection with the graft case filed against them over the alleged anomalous purchase of firearms in 2008.

Ejercito's graft case stemmed from the San Juan city government's procurement of high-powered rifles in 2008 when he was city mayor.

The purchase was made using the calamity funds of San Juan City despite the city not being under a state of calamity.

He said that he would serve his suspension not because he is “guilty of any wrongdoing” but because he wants to “show respect and obedience to the courts”.

“My conscience is clear. If I will be punished because I wanted to protect and save the lives of my constituents, then so be it,” Ejercito said.

“I want to spare the Senate from any controversy so I will go on 'forced vacation'.”

Ejercito earlier noted that he did not regret his decision to purchase firearms for San Juan City, saying he felt it was his "duty" to do so.

"I do not regret such decision as it was my bounden duty and responsibility to protect the well-being of the city residents," the senator earlier said.

"As San Juan City mayor, I felt that it was my duty to approve the purchase of firearms for our policemen as the crime situation had simply gotten out of hand."

If he were faced with the same situation again, he said he would not hesitate to make the same decision.

He meanwhile said he was "overwhelmed" by the show of support given to him by his colleagues and supporters. (PNA)

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