Olongapo judge accused of extortion

MANILA, Philippines – A judge in Olongapo City is facing an administrative case before the Supreme Court (SC) for alleged extortion.

In a two-page complaint filed on May 4 with the office of the court administrator, Singapore businessman Dinesh Singh said Olongapo City Regional Trial Court Branch 72 Judge Richard Paradeza tried to extort P1 million in exchange for a favorable ruling in connection with a civil suit filed against his company Sakura Global Management Services Inc.

Singh said the incident occurred in a restaurant of a casino at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone at around 8 p.m. on March 7.

“He was forcing me to cough up P1 million. I told him … the company I represent is aboveboard and I have no way of liquidating the same in our accounting books,” read the complaint obtained by The STAR.

“Please look into the culpabilities of the judge under the Code of Judicial Canons and the Code of Professional Responsibility,” Singh asked the SC.

He also sought Paradeza’s preventive suspension to prevent him from using his influence in the case.

“Please let my perception of the country where I have decided to work and live for a while change. We need to eliminate the likes of this judge from the judiciary,” added Singh.

Paradeza could not be reached for a reaction when contacted by The STAR.