Ex-governor seeks bail for wife

Former Quezon province Gov. Eduardo Rodriguez has asked the Supreme Court (SC) to take into consideration his voluntary extradition to the US and allow his ailing wife to post bail before a Manila regional trial court.

In a three-page motion filed on June 5 through his counsel, Rodriguez said his surrender to Philippine authorities on May 27 should "prove to the whole world" that he and his wife, Imelda are no longer fugitives from justice and a flight risk.

Rodriguez noted there is no cogent reason for his wife to leave the Philippines at this point since he is already in the US to face the charges against them and eventually clear their name.

The ex-governor left for his voluntary extradition to the US on June 4, escorted by two US Marshals. He gave himself up to the National Bureau of Investigation.

He said his wife was suffering from a lingering illness apparently caused by the situation they were in.

The Manila RTC Branch 17, which serves as the extradition court, issued a warrant of arrest against the couple on May 8 as it revoked their P2-million bail bond due to a High Court ruling that individuals facing extradition should not be given liberty because of being flight risks.

On Sept. 4, 2001, NBI agents arrested the wife at her Makati City condominium while the ex-governor was collared two days later. They were released after posting bail.

The ex-governor said he would have surrendered earlier if it were not for the $2-million bail bond imposed on him by the US court. He pointed out that the bail bond on other Filipinos facing more serious charges in the US are much lower than the one imposed on him.

The US government requested for the apprehension and extradition of Rodriguez and his wife in connection with the insurance fraud in California amounting to $150,000.

Rodriguez allegedly declared his wife and her mother Gloria Gener dead in an accident in Antipolo in 1985 and collected death benefits. The US-based insurance firm learned the truth and filed charges against the couple.

Rodriguez returned to the Philippines, then ran and won as governor of Quezon province.