‘Euro generals’ given 5 days to appeal graft raps

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman is giving nine retired and active senior police officials five days to seek a reversal of the decision to indict them for graft and technical malversation charges.

In accordance with the rules, the respondents in the “euro generals” case have five days to file a motion for reconsideration of the resolution indicting them before the Sandiganbayan.

In the 86-page resolution signed by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales last March 26, there was probable cause to charge former directors Eliseo de la Paz, Romeo Ricardo, German Doria, and Jaime Caringal; deputy directors Emmanuel Carta and Ismael Rafanan; retired chief superintendent Orlando Pestao; and Senior Superintendents Samuel Rodriguez and Tomas Rentoy III.

Copies of the resolution were sent to the parties through registered mail last week.

On Tuesday, Assistant Special Prosecutor III Joefferson Toribio informed the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division of the new findings of a special panel of prosecutors and graft investigators who conducted a reinvestigation on the euro generals scandal.

All nine former and active senior officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) were ordered indicted for alleged misuse of confidential and intelligence funds when they attended the 77th International Police (Interpol) general assembly in St. Petersburg, Russia in October 2008.

De la Paz and his wife Maria Fe were prevented from taking their flight back to the country at the Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow for carrying an undeclared amount of 105,000 euros.

If and when the respondents file a motion for reconsideration of the Office of the Ombudsman’s latest decision, the anti-graft agency is expected to resolve it within a month.

The decision on the appeal will then determine if the filing of criminal cases against all or some of the respondents will proceed before the Sandiganbayan.

The special panel of prosecutors already rejected a number of defenses or explanations by the senior PNP officials, including the issues of double jeopardy and good faith.