After more than a decade, the Sandiganbayan has finally cleared Fernando Ramirez, a company driver, of 15 counts of graft charges. Ramirez was one of the co-accused in the controversial pork barrel fund misuse case involving former senator Juan Ponce Enrile and businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles.
In an eight-page resolution dated February 11, 2025, the anti-graft court ruled that there was no probable cause to charge Ramirez. The court emphasized that Ramirez was merely a driver for Napoles, and no evidence linked him directly to any illegal activities related to the misuse of Enrile’s discretionary funds.
Why Was Ramirez Charged?
Ramirez was charged back in 2014, along with several others, in connection to the alleged misuse of public funds. The Office of the Ombudsman, which investigates corruption cases, claimed that he was part of the conspiracy led by Napoles. However, the Sandiganbayan found that the Ombudsman never actually explained Ramirez’s specific role in any illegal activity. Instead, it simply noted that he worked for Napoles at the time.
The court stated: “A plain reading of the Joint Resolution dated March 28, 2014, of the Office of the Ombudsman finding probable cause to indict Ramirez reveals that there was no discussion on his supposed participation in the alleged conspiracy.”
Lack of Evidence Against Ramirez
The Sandiganbayan further pointed out that all accusations against Ramirez were based on the roles of other co-accused, not on any direct action he took. In 2014, then-Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Maria Cristina Cornejo had already expressed doubts about Ramirez’s involvement, noting that he was simply a driver with no signatures on any official documents related to the transactions.
Despite this, the government prosecutors were ordered to present additional evidence against Ramirez. However, in October 2014, they informed the court that they would not submit any new proof and would rely on the same evidence used against other accused individuals.
The Sandiganbayan took note of this in a resolution issued in November 2014 but did not immediately rule on Ramirez’s case. It was only in 2025—almost 11 years later—that the court finally declared that there was no probable cause to charge him.
Court Lifts Travel Ban
Along with clearing Ramirez of all charges, the Sandiganbayan also lifted the Hold Departure Order that had been issued against him since June 16, 2014. This order had previously prevented him from leaving the country while the case was ongoing.
The resolution was penned by Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Bernelito Fernandez, with Associate Justices Ronald Moreno and Juliet Manalo-San Gaspar concurring.
Justice Delayed, Justice Denied?
One key question remains unanswered: Why did it take nearly 11 years for the court to resolve Ramirez’s case? The resolution did not provide any explanation for the long delay. Legal experts often say that justice delayed is justice denied, and this case highlights how prolonged court proceedings can impact the lives of individuals wrongly accused.
With this ruling, Fernando Ramirez is now officially cleared of all charges, but his ordeal serves as a reminder of the slow pace of justice in the country.
