(Eagle News) — It appears the prosecution will no longer appeal the Sandiganbayan’s acquittal of former Senator Bong Revilla for plunder.
Ombudsman Samuel Martires himself said “it is an elementary doctrine in law that you cannot appeal a judgment of acquittal.”
“It is not just a policy,” Martires said, noting that the “doctrine” has “its roots in Roman law that an ‘issue once decided cannot be tried again’.”
It “is based on double jeopardy or the prohibition ‘against being twice put in jeopardy’,” he said.
Martires issued the statement when asked whether prosecutors would appeal the Sandiganbayan decision clearing Revilla of any involvement in the misuse of over P200 million of pork barrel funds through the fake foundations allegedly set up by his co-accused, Janet Lim Napoles.
Napoles, however, and Revilla’s former chief of staff, Richard Cambe, were convicted of plunder, and were sentenced to reclusion perpetua.
