The court acquittals in 2025

Whenever a court decides to acquit an accused, it does not necessarily mean that he is innocent. It only indicates that there was failure on the part of the prosecution to present evidence beyond reasonable doubt. Or, the Court has lost its patience because there have been excessive delays in the presentation of documentary, testimonial or object evidence.  Let us look at the acquittals in 2025.

The first acquittal was on January 9 involving the criminal cases against the former vice president Jejomar Binay and former Makati mayor, Junjun Binay, in connection with the alleged irregularities in connection with the construction of the Makati Science High School building. On February 18, the Sandiganbayan acquitted Janet Napoles and former Agusan del Sur representative Rodolfo Plaza in a P27.5 million PDAF scam. Napoles was lucky that Plaza had a very competent defense counsel. She also benefited from the Plaza's defenses.

On February 18, the Sandiganbayan dismissed the ill-gotten wealth filed in 1987 by the PCGG against former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and former First Lady Imelda Marcos. concerning motor vehicles and appliances. Reason for case dismissal: Lapse of long time and the inaction of the plaintiff. On February 24, the Sandiganbayan dismissed a petition by COCOLIFE against the transfer of 255 million shares in the UCPB, declaring that those assets were acquired as parts of the government levies on coconuts. The presidency of BBM has been lucky so far. All major cases against the Marcoses had been dismissed. Well, almost all.

On March 20, the Supreme Court ordered the eviction of the Dakak Resort allegedly owned by Romeo Jalosjos after ruling the owners raked in profits but failed to pay rentals to the owners of the land where said resort is located.  On same date, the Court of Appeals of Timor Leste decided on the extradition of Arnie Teves to face trial on the infamous Pamplona massacred causing the death of Negros Oriental Governor Degamo. On march 25, then Marikina mayor Marcelino Teodoro, vice mayor Mario Andres and 13 councilors were imposed a 60-day suspension on the alleged misuse of 130 million PhilHealth funds.

On May 22, the Sandiganbayan acquitted two former secretaries over anomalous procurement of 1,500 well pumps and engines valued at 144.405 in 2010.On May 28, a Court Martial acquitted Brig Gen Jesus Durante III in connection with the murder of Davao businesswoman Yvonette Chua Plaza. On July 25, the Supreme Court declared as unconstitutional the articles of impeachment against VP Sara for violation of due process, and allowed its refiling effective February 6, 2026. That was a reprieve and a victory for the defense.

On August 4, the Sandiganbayan acquitted Surigao del sur vice governor Librado Navarro due to the Ombudsman's delay in prosecuting the case. On same day, Capiz governor Esteban Contreras was acquitted of charges of splitting procurement contracts for the procurement of medical supplies and equipment. Reason: insufficient evidence. The Sandiganbayan acquitted former vice president Jejomar Binay and former Makati city mayor Junjun Binay on August 22, of graft, malversation and falsification in connection in connection with the controversial Makati Parking Building.

Laur, Nueva Ecija mayor was convicted on September 2 for malversation of 3.5 million and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. On October 24, 2025, presidential legal adviser Juan Ponce Enrile was acquitted together with his former chief of staff, Gigi Reyes, and Janet Napoles. This pertained to 15 counts of graft involving PDAF funds. But Napoles was ordered to return millions to the Philippine government. On October 6, former Masbate governor Rizalina Seachon-Lanete was acquitted with Napoles in relation to the PDAF scam in the amount of P107 million.

On November 24, the graft court acquitted former Occidental governor Josephine Sato, citing inordinate delay by the Ombudsman, considering that the case was filed in 1987 yet. The greatest victory was the acquittal of former senator Leila de Lima on June 27 by the Muntinlupa RTC. Imagine she was wrongly and unjustly detained for six years due to the trumped up charges of drug trafficking against her. Now, karma has befallen on her persecutors. Her greatest nemesis is now the one languishing in The Hague.

At the end of the day no one can put a truly good person down. Injustices shall pass. Unfairness will not be forever. Even the tyrants shall have their day of reckoning. As Erap puts it: Weather, weather lang yan.