Official statement of Mayor Oscar Moreno regarding the Resolution of the 2nd Division of Sandiganbayan dated November 22, 2021 denying his Motion for Leave of Court to file Demurrer to Evidence.
STATEMENT OF MAYOR OSCAR S. MORENO
Today, November 23, 2021, we were informed about the Resolution of the Second Division of Sandiganbayan, dated November 22, 2021, on Criminal Cases Nos. SB-18-CRM-0114, 0134-0136, 0137, 0142, 0151, 0229, 0274, 0388, 0395, 0405, 0496-97, and 0145-50.
In gist, the Honorable Sandiganbayan found that the Prosecution, represented by the Office of the Ombudsman, have established a "prima facie case". By reason of which, it could not allow the Defense to file a Demurrer to Evidence - which, if granted, will result to the dismissal of all of the above charges.
While we appreciate the teal with which the Prosecution has discharged its duties - and no less is expected of public servants who are called to ensure the incorruptibility of our government's officials - we remain posed to exhaust all the legal remedies that are still available for us to utilize.
A *prima facie case* simply means that the evidence presented is "good and sufficient an its face. The establishment of a "prima face case" Is not the same or even synonymous to a conviction, It is simply a legal approximation, which if unexplained or contradicted, can counterbalance the presumption of Innocence.
This recent turn of events is not unexpected, It is a foreseeable outcome of regular and ordinary judicial proceedings, which concomitantly comes with a plethora of opportunities for different courses of legal action. Ultimately, with the denial of our "Motion for Leave of Court to file Demurrer to Evidence", the time for us to present our evidence becomes certain. And when we do, the truth remans to be the strongest arsenal in our favor.
Signed:
Oscar S. Moreno
City Mayor
November 23, 2021
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