Maria Theresa Dolores Gomez-Estoesta

Last updated

In December 2018, Ma. Theresa Dolores Gomez-Estoesta, sitting as a special member of the Sandiganbayan First Division, issued a dissenting opinion in the plunder trial of former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. The court, voting 3–2, acquitted Revilla while convicting his co-accused, Richard Cambe and Janet Lim-Napoles. [7]

Estoesta, along with division chair Efren de la Cruz, disagreed with the majority ruling, asserting that excessive weight had been given to Revilla’s defense of forgery and to the recantation of key whistle-blowers. She argued that these recantations were improperly prioritized over other evidence presented by the prosecution that, in her view, linked Revilla to the misuse of his Priority Development Assistance Fund.

She further noted that the special five-member division formed under the Sandiganbayan’s internal rules due to the lack of unanimity had overlooked the broader evidentiary context, thereby undermining the case against Revilla. [8]

Awards and recognition

In March 2024, Justice Ma. Teresa Dolores Gomez-Estoesta, who chairs the Seventh Division of the Sandiganbayan, was honored with the Gawad Felisa Jocson Award from Jocson College in Angeles City for her exemplary contributions to the judiciary and government service. [9]

References

  1. Sabillo, Kristine Angeli (June 23, 2014). "Aquino appoints new Sandiganbayan justice". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  2. Fontamillas, Lei (June 24, 2014). "PNoy appoints Manila judge to Sandigan post". Philippine Canadian Inquirer. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "PNoy appoints Manila RTC judge as new Sandiganbayan justice". GMA News Online. June 23, 2014. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  4. "Incumbent Justices". Sandiganbayan. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  5. Sunnexdesk (June 23, 2014). "Aquino names new Sandiganbayan justice". SunStar. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  6. 1 2
  7. "Dissenter says majority justices took cudgels in Bong Revilla plunder case". Rappler. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  8. Marcelo, Elizabeth (December 8, 2018). "The dissent: Forgery given too much weight". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  9. PNN Admin (March 28, 2024). "Kapampangan jurist honored with Gawad Felisa Jocson Award". Pampanga News Now. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
The Honorable
Ma. Theresa Dolores Gomez-Estoesta
16th Court Administrator of the Supreme Court of the Philippines
Assumed office
September 1, 2025