Sandigan suspends DOJ prosecutor for extortion

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan has ordered the three-month preventive suspension of a senior prosecutor of the Department of Justice (DOJ) who is facing trial for alleged extortion.

Assistant State Prosecutor Diosdado Solidum Jr. was ordered to “cease and desist from performing his function or any other public office, which he may now or hereafter be holding, for a period of 90 days.”

The Office of the Ombudsman announced yesterday Solidum’s suspension, which state prosecutors sought to prevent him from using his position to influence witnesses or tamper with evidence.

Solidum was charged with direct bribery and violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

He was nabbed in an entrapment operation conducted by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation on Aug. 8, 2013 in a restaurant along Timog Avenue in Quezon City.

The entrapment stemmed from the complaint of Gerardo Rivera, president of the Philippine Airlines Employees Association (PALEA), who alleged that Solidum intimated that he could reverse a prosecutor’s resolution in exchange for money.

Solidum allegedly demanded P10,000 from each PALEA member or an equivalent of P2.5 million. The amount was later reduced to P1.2 million payable in installments, in exchange for the dismissal of the charges filed against the PALEA members, according to Rivera.