Ex-PNP chief seeks dismissal of graft case

Former PNP chief Jesus Verzosa. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Former Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Jesus Verzosa on Tuesday asked the Sandiganbayan to dismiss a graft case filed against him in connection with the alleged anomalous purchase of 75 defective rubber boats worth P131.5 million in 2008.

Verzosa, in a nine-page motion filed in the antigraft court’s Third Division by counsel Mark Lester Tamondong, insisted he was not in a position to detect any irregularity in the contract because he based it on the technical and legal reviews conducted by his subordinates.

He also sought the suspension of proceedings in the case and deferment of the issuance of a warrant of arrest against him.

Verzosa invoked “good faith” on his part, saying his duty was not just to oversee procurement but also to ensure peace and order in the whole nation.

“He did not have the luxury of time to take part in each and every detail of such procurements, much as he would have wanted to,” the motion said.

Verzosa said the prosecution failed or refused to identify any other  particular act to implicate him in a criminal act except for his signature appearing on the contract.

The case stemmed from the complaints filed on Nov. 15, 2011, and Feb. 17, 2012, by the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for the military and other law enforcement offices.—Cynthia D. Balana