Court orders arrest of Pagsanjan Mayor Ejercito following final graft conviction

The Sandiganbayan has ordered the issuance of a warrant of arrest against Pagsanjan Mayor Jeorge “ER” Ejercito Estregan after the Supreme Court upheld his graft conviction, prompting local boatmen to express gratitude for what they described as a long-awaited triumph of justice.

In a resolution dated October 20, 2025, the Sandiganbayan directed the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to enforce the arrest order against Ejercito “at any time.”

The move came after the Supreme Court First Division, in a resolution dated June 30, 2025, denied with finality Ejercito’s motion for reconsideration, making his conviction for violation of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, final and executory.

According to court records, Ejercito was found guilty of illegally awarding an accident insurance contract for tourists and boat operators in Pagsanjan to First Rapid Care Ventures (FRCV), a company without a Certificate of Authority from the Insurance Commission. The firm was registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) only five days before offering its services to the local government.

The Supreme Court sentenced Ejercito and co-accused Marilyn Bruel, owner of FRCV, to eight years of imprisonment and perpetual disqualification from holding public office. Former Vice Mayor Crisostomo Villar and members of the Sangguniang Bayan were acquitted due to insufficient evidence of conspiracy.

Following the issuance of the arrest order, the United Boatmen Association of Pagsanjan welcomed the development, calling it a “historic victory” for residents who have long sought accountability and integrity in local governance.

“This is proof that justice continues to prevail in our country, and no one is above the law,” the group said in a statement. They also urged authorities to promptly implement the arrest order and encouraged the public to remain vigilant in upholding transparency and good governance.