The Sandiganbayan acquitted Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas in a graft case stemming from an alleged misuse of P500,000 in Priority Development Assistance Fund in 2003.
“I have always believed that in the end the truth will set us free,” the mayor said in a text message.
The ruling by the Sandiganbayan-Seventh Division, made earlier this week, denied the motion for leave to file demurrer to evidence, meaning a proposal to submit documentation challenging the evidence submitted by Treñas was rebuffed.
“Since the accused, Treñas, is yet to present his case, this court has no basis to rule that his evidence is clearer and more convincing than what the prosecution has presented,” the court noted.
The case stemmed from claims the funds, which had been intended for the Iloilo Press Club, were misused. However, the mayor argued the prosecution failed to prove the press club was favored over other potential beneficiaries as the decision was made at the discretion of then-Senator Loren Legarda./WDJ