Dichaves contests plunder charges

Businessman Jaime Dichaves has contested the Ombudsman’s affirmation of his plunder case for allegedly conniving with deposed President Joseph Estrada to amass illegal wealth, and said that the evidence presented at the latter’s trial could not be used against him.

Dichaves, in a separate motion, also asked the Sandiganbayan Special Division to suspend the proceedings while he is contesting his indictment for plunder in the Office of the Ombudsman.

Estrada was tried and convicted of plunder in 2007 but was quickly pardoned by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, thus avoiding a prison term. But Dichaves has never undergone trial since he left the country before a case could be filed.