Mark Leviste denies snubbing DOJ hearing

BATANGAS , Philippines– Vice Governor Mark Leviste yesterday belied reports that he and his father Conrad snubbed the preliminary investigation of the Department of Justice last Thursday due to the heavy traffic brought about by the celebration of the Feast of Black Nazarene.

He said his lawyer Leo Pascua was misquoted when he allegedly stated the Levistes could not attend the hearing due to heavy traffic in Manila.

Leviste said they decided not to attend the hearing because their lawyers advised them not to.

“We only followed the advice of our lawyers. They told us that it was only a preliminary investigation and we are properly represented by them,” he said.

Last week, the DOJ summoned the Levistes, including former Batangas governor Antonio Leviste, to submit statements concerning the seizure of drugs by the police in the family-owned LPL ranch in Lipa City on Christmas Day.

Raiding lawmen arrested Gary Tan, Argay Argenos and Rochelle Argenos and seized from them some 84 kilos of shabu.

The three suspects were told to submit their counter-affidavit on the charges filed against them.

Of the five that were summoned by the DOJ, only the former Batangas governor appeared in the preliminary hearing.

Leviste, convicted by a Makati court in January 2009 for homicide in the shooting of his aide, was granted parole last December.

Leviste appeared and insisted he does not own the property where the drugs were recovered. He also denied involvement with the three suspects, said to be members of a Mexican drug cartel.