01/08/2025
PMP Official Statement on Former Governor Joel T. Reyes
Re: Sandiganbayan Promulgation on the Malampaya Fund Case
August 1, 2025
Just like many Palaweños, we respectfully express disappointment and deep concern regarding the recent promulgation by the Sandiganbayan involving the processes in project implementation of the Malampaya program during his term as Governor of Palawan.
Let us make this clear: there was no theft, no ill-gotten wealth, and certainly no intent to misuse public funds. There was no money lost. Unfortunately, the decision appears to rely on alleged technicalities, rather than substantive proof of wrongdoing. The former governor maintains his innocence and firmly believe that the decision was flawed and unfair in parts.
It is also worth noting that all members of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) were acquitted, except for one individual—underscoring that this case does not reflect a conspiracy or collusion. His role in this matter was purely ministerial, with no participation in the procurement process or project implementation.
Furthermore, please be informed that the case is not yet final and executory, contrary to some reports which seem to sensationalize the issue. Some insinuations made in the media suggest that they "stole" or plundered Malampaya funds — a grave and baseless accusation that we categorically deny.
Reyes will continue to fight for the truth and pursue all legal remedies available to clear his name. He has full faith in our judicial system and the eventual triumph of justice.
Let this be a reminder: public service must not be weaponized with unfair judgment or misleading narratives. We stand by the record and the people of Palawan who know the truth behind these meaningful projects.
Mariin pong ipinapaabot ni dating Goberndor Joel T. Reyes na ang kanyang konsensya ay malinis. Wala po siyang kinuhang kahit isang sentimo mula sa nasabing pondo. Anumang insinuasyon ng pagnanakaw o panlalamang sa taumbayan ay malisyoso at walang batayan.
Ang naging desisyon ng Sandiganbayan ay hindi pa pinal at hindi pa executory, alinsunod sa Section 7, Rule 120 ng Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure. Nasa proseso pa po tayo ng legal na pag-aapela. Kaugnay nito, ay maghahain ang kampo ng dating gobernador ng Motion for Reconsideration at/o Notice of Appeal sa mga susunod na araw.
Mahalagang linawin: lahat ng miyembro ng Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) ay naabswelto sa kasong ito. Si Reyes lamang, na ang papel ay ministeryal at batay sa rekomendasyon ng mga teknikal na opisyal, ang na-convict. Ayon sa doktrina sa kasong Arias v. Sandiganbayan (G.R. No. 81563, December 19, 1989), hindi dapat papanagutin ang isang pinuno sa mga teknikal na proseso kung wala siyang direktang kaalaman o pakinabang sa anumang iregularidad.
Naninindigan po si Reyes na ang kanyang serbisyo sa Palawan ay ginampanan niya nang buong katapatan. Kaya’t ngayong panahon ng pagsubok, siya po ay patuloy na lumalaban—hindi lamang para sa sarili kundi para sa karapatang pantao, due process, at para sa dignidad ng bawat isang naiipit sa maling akusasyon.
Nananawagan kami sa publiko na maging mapanuri, at huwag basta basta maghusga batay sa headline o insinuasyon. Hindi pa po tapos ang laban. At sa huli, ang katotohanan pa rin ang magtatagumpay.
Maraming salamat po!
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