Francisco Villacruz, Jr.

Francisco Villacruz, Jr. (born June 8, 1943) is a Filipino justice. His most notable case was the Plunder trial of former president Joseph Estrada. He is currently being considered for appointment to the Philippine Supreme Court by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, [cite web
title ="De Castro Appointed SC Associate Justice"
work =
publisher =ABS-CBN News
date =2007-12-03
url =http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=101213
accessdate = 2007-12-03] she had been the Presiding Justice of the Sandiganbayan.

Profile

Villacruz's parents are Francisco Villacruz of Nueva Ecija and Consuelo Hernandez-Villaruz of Malabon. Villacruz is married to lawyer Teresita M. Villaruz. They have one child: Carlos M. Villaruz Sandiganbayan). [ [http://www.gmanews.tv/erapplundertrial/villaruz GMA Erap Plunder Case] ]

De Castro finished elementary (1955) and high school education (1959) at Ateneo de Manila University. Villacruz earned his Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines. She passed the Philippine Bar Examination of August 1967 with bar rating of 84.6%. [ [http://www.gmanews.tv/erapplundertrial/villaruz GMA NEWS.TV, Personal Data Sheet of Villacruz] ]

Erap Plunder Trial

Villacruz is included in the 3-justices panel who tried the anti-graft court’s special division on the Erap plunder case. The Sandiganbayan, has 90 days or until mid-September 2007 to decide the case of former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, but the decision could be issued much sooner than that. Villacruz was candidate for the vacant post of Supreme Court Associate Justice, duly nominated by the JBC for the vacancy due to retirement of Angelina Sandoval-Gutierrez.

On September 5, 2007, Leonardo-de Castro, and Sandiganbayan Associate Justices Diosdado Peralta and Francisco Villacruz, Jr. were assigned 2 extra bodyguards 3 weeks ago per initiative of the Sheriff (after getting threatening messages from an anonymous person). Renato Bocar, executive clerk of court confirmed the “"new face" in De Castro’s office who has been “"acting like a bodyguard"." [ [http://www.gmanews.tv/story/59209/Sandigan-justices-get-extra-guards-over-threats GMA NEWS.TV, Sandigan justices get extra guards over threats ] ]

On September 7, 2007, the Sandiganbayan's Teresita De Castro announced that the graft court will promulgate the judgment on September 12, 2007 in the 6-year-old plunder trial (October 2001 to June 15, 2007) of ousted President Joseph Ejercito Estrada. The verdict will also inclued his son, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada; and lawyer Eduardo Serapio. Court Sheriff Ed Urieta said tight security will include 4,000 police and 2,000 soldiers, and military. Estrada is accused of stealing 4 billion pesos (US$81 million; €62 million) in illegal funds and falsely declaring his assets. [ [http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/09/07/asia/AS-GEN-Philippines-Estrada.php IHT, Philippine court to rule on ex-president's plunder trial Sept. 12] ] On September 11, 2007, the Supreme Court of the Philippines allowed live television (broadcast media) coverage of the Sandiganbayan's Joseph Estrada's promulgation of judgment on September 12, 2007 (granting the petition of the Kapisanan ng Brodkaster ng Pilipinas). The court, however, directed media to hook up with a video camera of the personnel of the Supreme Court public information office. [ [http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=91971 Abs-Cbn Interactive, SC allows live coverage of Erap trial] ] [ [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=87833 Inquirer.net, TIMELINE, The Estrada Trial] ] [ [http://news.monstersandcritics.com/asiapacific/news/article_1353765.php/Timeline_of_former_Philippine_president_Joseph_Estradas_trial NewsMonstersandcritics.com, Timeline of former Philippine president Joseph Estrada's trial] ]

On September 11, 2007, as controversial political figure, Estrada released a statement to the poor Filipinos: "I have been imprisoned for 6 years, 4 months and 17 days but because of your prayers, help and love, I have endured all these ... Whatever the Sandiganbayan (corruption court) will decide, I am ready because I know my countrymen have acquitted me". [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6989998.stm BBC NEWS, Estrada gets life for corruption] ]

The Decision

On September 12, 2007, Joseph Estrada was acquitted of perjury but found guilty of plunder and sentenced to reclusion perpetua with the accessory penalties of perpetual disqualification from public office and forfeiture of ill-gotten wealth. [ [http://www.gmanews.tv/sandiganbayandecision.html GMA NEWS.TV, The SANDIGANBAYAN DECISION] ]

On September 12, 2007, Sandiganbayan's Presiding Justice Teresita De Castro and 2 other magistrates Diosdado M. Peralta and Francisco H. Villaruz Jr. unanimously acquitted his son, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, and a lawyer Edward Serapio of plunder charges. The Fallo of the 262-page Decision declared the forfeiture in favor of the government: P542.701 million (bank accounts including interest), P189 million (Jose Velarde accounts including interest) and the Boracay mansion in New Manila, Quezon City. [ [http://www.gmanews.tv/story/60116/Sandigan-forfeits-Eraps-Velarde-accounts-Boracay-mansion GMA NEWS.TV, Sandigan forfeits Erap's 'Velarde' accounts, Boracay mansion] ] [ [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/12/world/asia/12filip.html?ref=world New York Times, Philippines Ex-President Convicted] ]

Only the fallo or dispositive part of 2 judgments were read (resulting to only 15 minutes judicial proceedings). [ [http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-29479120070912 Reuters, Philippines' Estrada deadpan when sentenced to life] ] During the reading of the judgment, witnesses said Joseph Estrada cried; his wife, Luisa Ejercito Estrada, Jackie Ejercito Lopez, San Juan Mayor Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito, (Estrada's son with Guia Gomez), other family members and mistresses (including, Laarni Enriquez) all wept during the promulgation by the clerk. [ [http://www.gmanews.tv/story/60122/Erap-plunder-drama-The-wife-cried-and-mistress-too GMA NEWS. TV, Erap plunder drama: The wife cried, and mistress, too] ]

Estrada's lawyer Estelito Mendoza stated that Estrada will file a motion for reconsideration (before September 27) of the 262-page Judgment and then appeal the verdict to the High Tribunal. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry said it will support a presidential pardon for Estrada. Jinggoy Estrada said "The people will receive this with moral outrage and disgust. The time of reckoning will come. That time may not be too far now." ``This verdict is intended to legitimize the occupancy of an illegal tenant in Malacanang" [ [http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=asGMIlNrNYB0&refer=home Bloomberg, Philippines' Estrada Guilty of `Plunder,' Faces Life] ] [ [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=88134 Inquirer.net, Estrada to file motion for reconsideration--lawyers] ]

Estrada, in Filipino Barong Tagalog (pineapple fibre dress shirt and cream trousers) with his trademark wristband stated that "I thought the role of justice would prevail here but really it's a kangaroo court"." President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo stated that the court's decision must be accepted: "We hope and pray that the rule of law will prevail"." Estrada's counsel Rene A.V. Saguisag issued the statement:"VICTORS' JUSTICE" - "It's victors' justice. It's ruling class justice. The special division (of the court) was programmed to convict. We never had a chance"." Estrada will appeal the verdict and would be under automatic review at the Supreme Court of the Philippines. [ [http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSMNT00044820070912 Reuters, Philippines' Estrada gets life] ]

Estrada told AFP that he was resigned for the latest drama in his presidency: "last and best performance of my life"." The prosecution's lead counsel Dennis Villa-Ignacio proudly asserted: "It shows that our judicial system really works.This is the last chance for the state to show that we can do it, that we can charge, prosecute and convict a public official regardless of his stature"." [ [http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/09/11/philippines.estrada.ap/index.html CNN.com, Deposed Philippine president given life sentence for plunder] ]

Joseph Estrada rose from obscurirty to having been top Filipino film star, then hit the mark, by claiming the Presidency until destiny sent him to jail. He stated to AFP "I feel depressed, but it's my style not to show it"." Before the release of the fatalistic judgment, he warned that he prevent his fans from making street protests. [ [http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hJBcBYTMdVCy3vA-o-Z-sJPqjDDg AFP.google.com, Estrada: from movie star to Philippine president -- to jailbird] ]

Estrada returned to his villa in Tanay, Rizal (driven on from a golf cart), to the helicopter) [ [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=88137 Inquirer.net, Estrada back in Tanay resthouse] ] The court permitted him to return to his villa, "until further orders". [ [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/11/AR2007091102206.html Washington Post, Philippines' Estrada gets life] ]

Meanwhile, the U.S. embassy stated that the arrival of the USS Chung-Hoon and USS Milius, Missile destroyers was a "goodwill visit" to strengthen the ties between the U.S. and the Philippines. [ [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=88144 Inquirer.net, US warships arrive in RP] ]

Appeal

On September 26, 2007, Joseph Estrada appealed by filing a 63-page motion for reconsideration of the Sandiganbayan judgment penned by Teresita de Castro (submitting 5 legal grounds). [ [http://news.monstersandcritics.com/asiapacific/news/article_1359793.php/Philippines_ex-president_Estrada_appeals_conviction_for_plunder Monstersandcritics.com, Philippines' ex-president Estrada appeals conviction for plunder] ] [ [http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/6271706.html English.people.com, Convicted Philippine ex-president files reconsideration motion] ] Estrada alleged that the court erred "when it convicted him by acquitting his alleged co-conspirators"." [ [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=90841 Inquirer.net, Estrada asks Sandiganbayan to reverse conviction, Cites acquittal of co-accused] ]

On October 5, 2007, the Sandiganbayan's Special Division ruled to have set for October 19, oral argument (instead of a defense reply) on Joseph Estrada’s motion for reconsideration. Estrada asked court permission to attend the hearing, since it ordered the prosecution to file comment before October 11. [ [http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071007105086.html ManilaBulletin, Erap wants to attend Sandigan oral arguments] ]

Aftermath

On September 14, 2007, Chief presidential legal counsel Sergio Antonio Apostol officially stated that Sandiganbayan Justices Teresita Leonardo de Castro, Diosdado Peralta and Francisco Villaruz Jr. should decline Judicial and Bar Council nomination and await other vacancies to ease pressure on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo: “"Para Hindi na maipit ang Presidente (In order to spare the President from pressure), they should withdraw their nomination. Parang iyong nangyari kay Justice (Gregory) Ong (Remember what happened in Justice Gregory S. Ong’s case) ...It’s a sacrifice on her part..Hindi niya maiwanan (ang posisyon) (She cannot leave the Sandiganbayan) because of the case of Joseph Estrada - Erap (Estrada’s nickname)"." [ [http://www.gmanews.tv/story/60521/Palace-urges-Sandigan-justices-to-decline-SC-nomination GMA NEWS.TV, Palace urges Sandigan justices to decline SC nomination] ] In the of the verdict, De Castro, Villaruz and Peralta are now at the receiving end of 2 unsolicited advices from key officials. Senate of the Philippines Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan, ex-officio member, Judicial and Bar Council stated that the 3 Sandiganbayan justices "should have the delicadeza not to accept a promotion to the highest tribunal to dispel any suspicion that they pronounced Mr. Estrada guilty expecting a reward from Palace ... We do not want to see a cloud of suspicion over the appointees to the Supreme Court. They should always be above suspicio"n.” [ [http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=felMaragay_sept17_2007 Manila Standard Today, A no-win situation] ]

On October 16, 2007, the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) announced the final nominees to the October 20 Associate Justice Cancio Garcia vacant Supreme Court of the Philippines Associate Justice post. Teresita De Castro, Justices Edgardo Cruz and Martin Villarama, got 7 out of 8 votes, while Associate Justices Francisco Villaruz and Edilberto G. Sandoval and Labor Secretary Arturo D. Brion got 5 votes each (from the JBC). The President has 90 days to choose from the above final list. [ [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=94732 Inquirer.net, Sandiganbayan, 2 CA justices lead nominees for SC post] ]

On November 5, 2007, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, in a privileged speech vowed to block the appointment to the Supreme Court of Sandiganbayan Justices Teresita De Castro and Francisco Villaruz, Jr. (who convicted his father - President Joseph Estrada). Jinggoy said that: "Such a promotion would seem like a reward in exchange for the guilty verdict against the deposed President. We are convinced, then and now, that the special court created to exclusively try the case of President Estrada was established precisely to convict him, which is what exactly happened"." [ [http://www.gmanews.tv/story/67275/Jinggoy-vows-to-block-Sandigan-justices-appointment-to-SC gmanews.tv, Jinggoy vows to block Sandigan justices' appointment to SC] ]

Reactions

*Joseph Estrada branded as a “reward for an unjust conviction” the appointment of Teresita de Castro: “I knew even then that the special court created by the Supreme Court would convict me of plunder. But I had hoped even then that it will be the law that de Castro and the other justices would uphold, not the expectation of a seat in the Supreme Court. Justice de Castro turned her back on the law, turned a blind eye on the sacrosanct obligation of a judge to rule on the merits of the case as presented by my lawyers and turned her court into a kangaroo court to convict me. Even lawyers who read the ruling made by the Sandiganbayan justices on the plunder case would see just how the law on plunder was prostituted with the intention to convict me. The justices convicted me, but the people who know better that I am innocent of the charges of plunder, have acquitted me. If I were guilty, they know I would not have the strength to face them. Neither will they welcome me with open arms whenever I visit them." [ [http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/man/2007/12/05/news/de.castro.s.appointment.to.sc.a.political.reward.erap.html Sun Star, De Castro's appointment to SC a political reward: Erap] ]

TRAINING COURSES
*Program of Instruction for Lawyers (June 2005 : Harvard Law School)
*First PHILJA Pre Judicature Program (July 2000:PHILJA)
*World Intellectual Property Conference (1994 : WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization))
*Management Development Program (1984 : AIM (Asian Institute of Management) )

Notes

References

ee also

*Chief Justice of the Philippines
*Philippine Court of Appeals
*Philippine Court of Tax Appeals
*Philippines
*Political History of the Philippines
*Constitution of the Philippines

External links

* [http://www.gmanews.tv/sandiganbayandecision.html GMA NEWS.TV, Sandiganbayan Decision]
* [http://www.gov.ph/cat_justice/default.asp Philippines: Gov.Ph: About the Philippines] – Justice category
* [http://sandigan.supremecourt.gov.ph/ Sandiganbayan] – Official website
* [http://www.chanrobles.com/sandiganbayaninthephilippines.htm SANDIGANBAYAN Info] – Information on the Sandiganbayan
* [http://sandigan.supremecourt.gov.ph/sbabout.html About the Sandiganbayan]
* [http://www.gmanews.tv/story/59888/A-one-stop-multimedia-microsite-The-Estrada-plunder-trial-verdict GMA NEWS.TV, A one-stop, multimedia microsite: The Estrada plunder trial verdict]
* [http://www.gmanews.tv/erapplundertrial GMA NEWS.TV, Estrada Plunder Trial]
* [http://www5.gmanews.tv/docs/mem_plunder.doc TOC Plaintiff's Memorandum]
* [http://www5.gmanews.tv/docs/mem_plunder_070611.doc Plaintiff's Memorandum]
* [http://www5.gmanews.tv/docs/notes_on_plunder_closing_statements.doc NOTES ON PLUNDER CLOSING STATMENTS]
* [http://www.gmanews.tv/video/11588/Court-Session-on-Joseph-Estrada's-verdict GMA Video, Court Session on Joseph Estrada's verdict]
* [http://www.gmanews.tv/video/11589/Sandigan-finds-Erap-guilty-of-plunder GMA Video, Sandigan finds Erap guilty of plunder]
* [http://www.gmanews.tv/video/11593/Interview-with-Estrada-after-conviction GMA Video, Interview with Estrada after conviction]
* [http://www.gmanews.tv/video/11599/Estradas-overcome-with-sadness-after-verdict GMA Video, Estradas overcome with sadness, after verdict]
* [http://www.gmanews.tv/story/71152/Teresita-de-Castro GmaNews.Tv, Profile of Teresita-de-Castro]
* [http://www.gmanews.tv/video/15073/Ex-Sandigan-Teresita-de-Castro-takes-oath-as-SC-justice GmaNews.tv.VIDEO, Ex-Sandigan Teresita de Castro takes oath as SC justice, 12/04/2007 | 10:41 AM]
* [http://www.gmanews.tv/story/71155/Estrada-plunder-trial-The-Sandiganbayan-justices GMA NEWS.TV, Estrada plunder trial: The Sandiganbayan justices]