Sandigan readies arrest order for Nani, others

MANILA, Philippines – The Sandiganbayan has already prepared the arrest order for former Justice Secretary Hernando Perez on the graft charges by the Ombudsman stemming from the extortion complaint of former Manila representative Mark Jimenez.

The anti-graft court has also prepared the warrants for the arrest of Perez’s wife Rosario, brother-in-law Ramon Arceo and businessman Ernest Escaler.

Court sources said the arrest warrants are set to be signed and effected on Monday.

Sandiganbayan Sheriff Edgardo Urieta, who is supposed to serve the warrant, is out of the country but one of his deputies said the arrest is likely to be effected on Monday after the court finds probable cause.

In the hearing yesterday, the Sandiganbayan’s First Division said they are not precluded by the petition of certiorari filed by Perez before the Supreme Court seeking to set aside his indictment by the Ombudsman.

Presiding Justice and division chairman Diosdado Peralta told Perez’s lawyers that the court will issue the arrest warrants the moment it determines the existence of probable cause.

Jimenez had claimed Perez had demanded money from him in exchange for withholding any damaging statements that may pin down former President Joseph Estrada and allies.

Four cases of robbery, falsification of documents and violation of the anti-graft law and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Government Officials and Employees have been filed and raffled off to the First, Second, Third and Fourth Divisions of the Sandiganbayan.

Perez filed a petition before the SC seeking to suspend the indictment on him since Jimenez had already withdrawn his complaint five years ago.

Government lawyers, however, pointed out the Sandiganbayan is duty bound to proceed in the absence of a temporary restraining order from the SC.   – With Sandy Araneta