By Czarina Nicole O. Ong and Hannah L. Torregoza The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has slapped Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito and three others with a 90-day suspension over the alleged anomalous purchase of P2.1-million firearms for the use of the San Juan City police force when he was mayor in 2008. Suspended along with Ejercito were San Juan City Administrator Ranulfo Barte Dacalos, City Legal Officer Romauldo Corpuz De Los Santos, and Special Assistant on Documentation and Compliance Lorenza Catalan Ching. In a statement, Ejercito said, “I am truly saddened by the order issued by the Sandiganbayan. The order precludes me from discharging my duties as a duly elected senator while it is hearing the case involving the purchase of firearms for the police force while I was still mayor of San Juan City,” he said. Section 13 of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act provides that “any incumbent public [...]
