‘MJ’ posts P1-M bail

A Manila judge ordered the arrest of Manila Rep. Mark Jimenez yesterday for 47 criminal cases in the United States, but he allowed the former presidential adviser to post a P1 million bail for his temporary liberty.

Judge Guillermo Purganan of the Manila Regional Trial Court branch 42 said he found probable cause in the extradition case filed by the Department of Justice against Jimenez.

The 54-year-old Jimenez, whose real name is Mario Batacan Crespo, is facing different criminal charges including conspiracy to defraud the US government, tax evasion, false statements and illegal contributions to the campaign of former US President Bill Clinton. The crimes were allegedly committed between 1994 and 1998.

Jimenez said Purganan’s decision to allow him to post bail "affirmed my faith in this country’s justice system." He once served as adviser to deposed President Joseph Estrada before being elected congressman in last May’s polls. – Jose Aravilla