MANILA, Philippines – Businessman Francis Roa de Borja, in an attempt to clear his name in the bribery scandal that shook the foundation of the Court of Appeals (CA), is set to file a motion for reconsideration before the Supreme Court (SC) on its Sept. 9 decision of the case.
Claiming the High Court had prejudged him and, in the process, violated his constitutional right to be presumed innocent until otherwise proven, De Borja raised several points to air his side on the issue.
“The investigation conducted by the Panel of Investigators was not a preliminary investigation to determine the criminal liability of the persons appearing before it. It was a mere fact-finding inquiry to aid the Supreme Court in its administrative supervision of lower courts,” De Borja said in his motion.
The businessman, who was accused of being behind the bribery attempt on CA Justice Jose Sabio, outlined in his manifestation the events and circumstances which he believed was erroneously taken into consideration by the High Court.
“The Supreme Court was in error when it found Justice Sabio’s version of the alleged bribe attempt more believable,” read part of the motion, adding that the Justice was influenced by his brother, PCGG chairman Camilo Sabio, who also admitted having acted as GSIS emissary.