MANILA, Philippines – In its 17-page ruling made public on Thursday, the Supreme Court said “bail may be granted as a matter of right or discretion” in allowing Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile's temporary freedom.
Voting 8-4, the magistrated granted the petition of Enrile, who faces plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan, to post bail due mainly to his old age and condition.
The decision, penned by Assocaite Justice Lucas Bersamin, stated that even non-bailable charges in offenses punishable by death, life imprisonment or reclusion perpetua is subject to judicial discretion.
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The high court said the granting of Enrile’s motion was due to humanitarian considerations.
“Enrile’s poor health justifies his admission to bail,” the ruling said.
The four dissenters of Enrile’s plea were Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, Associate Justices Estela Perlas-Bernabe and Marvic Leonen while Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza inhibited himself from the case as he was the former solicitor general.
Below is the copy of the Supreme Court's 17-page decision.