Martinezes wait for copy of Sandigan order

CEBU, Philippines - The Martinezes of Bogo City clarified that they have yet to receive a copy of the Sandiganbayan’s denial of their urgent motion to defer the issuance of warrant of arrest against former congresswoman Clavel Asas-Martinez and six others over the alleged misuse of her Priority Development Assistance Fund or pork barrel in 2003.

Martinez’s son, former Bogo City Mayor Celestino “Tining” Martinez III, said they just learned of the denial from the papers.

“We will file the necessary motion but we have not even received a copy of any denial, we pick up our news from the papers,” Tining told The Freeman.

Tining, who is among the respondents, denied reports that they are already aware of the denial and the warrant of arrest issued against them by the Sandiganbayan.

The Sandiganbayan Second Division reportedly sent Monday the warrant through ordinary mail to the Police Regional Office-7.

Aside from Tining, also named respondents were Clavel’s daughter and former Girl Scouts of the Philippines treasurer Ma. Cielo Martinez, former municipal treasurer Rhett Minguez, former municipal accountant Cresencio Verdida, bookkeeper Rhodariza Kilantang and GSP Cebu Council cashier Julieta Quino.

Minguez and Verdida were elected as councilors of Bogo City in the last May 13 elections.

The issuance of the warrant of arrest came after the Sandiganbayan denied the said urgent motion of the respondents.

In their motion, the respondents asked for the deferment of the issuance of the arrest warrant pending resolution of their motion for reconsideration filed before the Office of the Ombudsman.

The Office of the Ombudsman indicted the respondents for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Malversation of Public Funds for the alleged P10 million-allocation to the GSP intended for a campaign against illegal drugs but was allegedly deposited in Clavel’s personal bank account instead.

The anti-graft office recommended P40,000 bail for the anti-graft case but no bail was recommended for malversation. —  (FREEMAN)