Manila, Oct. 24 -- Malacanang on Friday urged the public to respect the Sandiganbayan's decision to acquit former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and his co-accused of 15 counts of graft over the alleged misuse of PHP172 million in Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the acquittal reflects adherence to legal standards, not governmental leniency.

"Nagsalita na ang korte, so igalang natin. Igalang po natin kung ano ang desisyon ng korte (The court has spoken, so let us respect it. Let us respect the decision of the court)," Castro said, when sought for comment, considering Enrile's current role as the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel of President Ferdinand R. Marcos ...