Former SSS, GSIS heads charged with plunder

Lawyers’ groups have moved to reinforce plunder charges against deposed President Joseph Estrada and his cronies, filing complaints against 20 more people in two new cases.

Leading the charge sheet filed with the Office of the Ombudsman were former Social Security System (SSS) president Carlos Arellano and former Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) president Federico Pascual, who allegedly tolerated Estrada’s unlawful use of P1.8 billion sourced from the two pension funds.

Both men earlier disclosed that in October 1999, Estrada had forced them to invest pension funds in Belle Corp., franchise holder of jai alai.

Charged along with Arellano and Pascual were the board members of the SSS and GSIS.

Leonardo de Vera, spokesman for the Caucus of Lawyers for Erap’s Abrupt Resignation (CLEAR), was accompanied by fellow lawyers Dennis Funa and Argee Guevarra of Sanlakas in the filing of the additional suit.

"Estrada, in conspiracy and connivance with, with the approval of, ratification, acquiescence and/or toleration by other respondents (Arellano et al), violated Republic Act 7080 and committed plunder," a portion of the nine-page complaint read.

Overall Deputy Ombudsman Margarito Gervacio Jr., head of the special prosecution panel, said the new case will no longer center on the former president since a case against him had already been filed in court.

Instead, graft probers will be focusing on the extent of participation of his alleged cronies.

De Vera pointed out that the latest plunder case is "in furtherance of the previous cases against Estrada."

According to the testimony of Arellano and Pascual, along with Belle Corp. vice chairman Will Ng Ocier, the former president allegedly received P189.7 million in kickbacks from SSS and GSIS investments in the jai alai operator.

Joining the three men in the new suit were businessmen and known Estrada pals Jaime Dichaves and Mark Jimenez as well as private individuals Enriqueta Disuanco, Fernando Gaite Jr., Aurora Mathay and Amalio Mallari.

SSS board members included in the suit were Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines president Miguel Varela, Dody Agcaoili, Amado Almazan, Aurora Arnaez, Rafael Estrada, Raoul Inocentes, Marianata Mendoza and Cecilio Seno.

Former housing chief Lenny de Jesus, former Environment Secretary Fulgencio Factoran, Department of Justice Chief State Counsel Elmer Bautista, retired Justice Hermogenes Concepcion, Aida Nocete, Leovigildo Arellano, Floriño Ibañez and Reynaldo Palmiery were also sued for being members of the GSIS board that approved the investment. – Delon Porcalla