MANILA - The Sandiganbayan 5th Division has denied the demurrer to evidence filed by former senator Jinggoy Estrada and alleged pork barrel queen and plunder convict Janet Lim Napoles.

The court noted in its resolution that the evidence presented by the prosecution established that Estrada and Napoles agreed to funnel priority development assistance funds to bogus non-government organizations.

“With the above discussion and based on the evidence on record, this court is convinced that the prosecution presented sufficient evidence both testimonial and documentary, which established each element of the crime of plunder against the accused," the court said.

"This, if unrebutted by contrary evidence, is sufficient to support a conviction for the crime as charged," it said.

In the demurrers, Estrada and Napoles noted that the evidence of the prosecution did not establish their guilt and they are entitled to an acquittal.

With the denial of their demurrers to evidence, Napoles and Estrada are expected to present their own testimonial and documentary evidence before the court to prove their innocence.