Ombudsman given a month to submit position on Garcia plea bargain deal

MANILA, Philippines—The Sandiganbayan’s Second Division is holding in abeyance decision on the plea bargain agreement between former military comptroller Carlos Garcia and the Office of the Ombudsman, allowing newly appointed Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales time to study and determine possible actions in connection with the deal.

The anti-graft court gave Carpio-Morales 30 days to study the deal entered into by her predecessor, Merceditas Gutierrez.

Morales, in a motion, asked the anti-graft court to allow her to submit a position paper on the plea bargain deal.

She also asked the court to hold in abeyance its ruling on a motion to reverse the court’s approval of the deal.

Garcia has been accused of plunder for amassing over P300 million in government funds. Last May 9, the Sandiganbayan approved the plea bargain agreement saying Garcia was able to comply with the anti-graft court’s condition for the immediate transfer, conveyance of his real estate and personal properties including bank accounts to the government.

Garcia has turned over to the government P135 million worth of properties.

As part of the agreement, Garcia was allowed to enter a plea to a lesser offense, direct bribery, instead of plunder.