Sandra Cam: Truth, power, and scandal
Sandra Cam, INQUIRER FILE PHOTOS
Sandra Abaño Martinez-Cam rose to national prominence in the Philippines as a whistleblower against illegal gambling and alleged government corruption. Her fiery persona, shifting alliances, and involvement in multiple controversies made her a polarizing figure in public life.
From exposing jueteng syndicates to holding a post at the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and later standing trial for murder before being acquitted, Cam’s career was marked by both praise and scandal.
This timeline traces the major events that shaped her public trajectory—culminating in her passing on April 10, 2025, at age 64.
2005
- Whistleblower emerges: Sandra Cam, a self-confessed former jueteng bagwoman, becomes a whistleblower, exposing alleged corruption in the illegal numbers game and implicating several public officials. She starts gaining media attention for her exposés.
2013–2014
- Napoles scandal: Cam claims nearly 100 legislators are involved in the pork barrel scam, calling on the DOJ and then-Secretary Leila de Lima to release Janet Napoles’ list. She accuses various government officials, including senators and justice officials, of protecting Napoles or being complicit in corruption.
- Legal skirmishes: Files surveillance complaints and habeas data petitions; Cam and her group become increasingly vocal against De Lima.
2016–2017
- Support for Duterte: Cam aligns herself with President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. She is considered for a Cabinet post and is later appointed PCSO board member in December 2017.
- Controversies at NAIA: Involved in an incident at the airport where she allegedly berates airport staff; denies wrongdoing.
2018–2019
- PCSO Infighting:
- Publicly clashes with PCSO General Manager Alexander Balutan over alleged lavish spending (e.g., P6M–P10M PCSO Christmas party).
- Files grave threats complaints against Balutan.
- 48 House members call for her resignation; Duterte eventually sides with Balutan.
- Senate testimonies: Cam appears in Senate hearings related to PCSO operations.
- Declares she won’t run in 2019: Despite speculation, says she will not seek elected office.
- PCSO reform advocacy: Vows to clean up the agency and expose corruption in Small Town Lottery (STL) operations.
2020
- Murder charges filed:
- October 2019: Masbate Vice Mayor Charlie Yuson III is killed in Manila.
- Early 2020: The widow of Yuson links Cam to the murder. Prosecutors recommend filing charges against her and her son.
- Later in 2020: She and six others are indicted. An arrest warrant is issued. She eventually surrenders to police.
2021–2022
- Detention & legal defense:
- Remains in detention at the PNP Custodial Center.
- Maintains that the case is politically motivated, linked to business and political interests in Masbate.
2023
- Acquittal:
- Sandra Cam, her son, and five others are acquitted of murder charges.
- She is released from detention and returns to public life.
- Makes public apology to De Lima, saying she was “used” to attack the senator during her time in government.
April 10, 2025
- Death:
- Sandra Cam dies at age 64.
- Her son posts the announcement on Facebook, calling her a “diligent fighter for truth.”
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This article was generated with the aid of artificial intelligence and reviewed by an editor.
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