Sandigan orders ad agency to explain Erap verdict ads

The Sandiganbayan wants an advertising agency to explain its posting of newspaper advertisements on the plunder case against former President Joseph Estrada.

The Sandiganbayan voiced its desire to hear from the ad agency at a hearing of the Estrada plunder case yesterday.

The controversial ads appealed to the public to accept whatever decision the anti-graft court issues on the case.

Defense lawyer Rene Saguisag said the one behind the “unfair” ads appeared to have “so much clout to know and say that the court has already spoken.” The ad agency was reportedly Skoal.

But Special Prosecutor Dennis Villa-Ignacio said they saw nothing wrong with the ads, arguing it was merely “a very fair reminder to everyone to stay calm if ever the Sandiganbayan found Estrada guilty or not.”

Earlier, Saguisag asked the court to compel the editors of the newspapers where the ads saw print to reveal the identity of the advertiser or the ad agency.

He also asked the court to set some guidelines on the publication of matters covered by the rule of subjudice. However, the Sandiganbayan justices said that newspapers have their own set of guidelines and policies on ads.

Associate Justice Francisco Villaruz Jr., for his part, advised prosecution and defense lawyers to avoid media interviews until at least the court decides on the case.

“As officers of the court, we can ask you to avoid media interviews because you are bound by the rule of subjudice. You should refrain from arguing the case in media,” Villaruz said.

The Sandiganbayan justices also said they would never give in to pressure in their handling of the case.

“God will judge us. He is the best judge,” Sandiganbayan Special Division Chairman and Presiding Justice Teresita Leonardo de Castro said.

De Castro admitted that the controversial ads had insinuated that the Sandiganbayan was under the influence of powerful groups.

“If we will keep track of all of these ads, we will not be able to finish the decision,” De Castro said.