Dichaves has right to return to Phl - Erap

MANILA, Philippines - “He has the right to return. It’s up to him, but I don’t meddle in cases anymore.” Former President Joseph Estrada, who claims he is now retired both from politics and show business, said this about his friend, businessman Jaime Dichaves. Dichaves, who Estrada claimed owned the Jose Velarde account, has a standing arrest warrant issued by the Sandiganbayan in 2001 as a co-accused in the P1.1-billion plunder case against him.

Last Friday, Dichaves asked the court to quash the case against him. But unless the court grants his motion, he will be arrested and detained without bail upon his return because plunder is a capital offense.

In the motion, Dichaves asked for a preliminary investigation of the case. His legal counsel Pacifico Agabin said that being a private citizen, he may not be punished for plunder, only for a lesser offense.

The Sandiganbayan has scheduled the hearing for the motion on Dec. 10.

Estrada, who was convicted of plunder by the Sandiganbayan special division in September 2007, has consistently denied owning the Jose Velarde account which had millions of pesos. 

He was pardoned by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo a month later. – With Michael Punongbayan