Clavel asks Sandigan to drop graft case

FORMER Cebu 4th district Rep. Clavel Asas-Martinez has asked the Sandiganbayan to dismiss the graft complaint filed against her over her alleged misuse of her P10 million Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel allocation in 2003.

In her pleading filed before the anti-graft court, Martinez’s counsel claimed that there was no sufficient basis to implead her in the case.

“After identifying the proper beneficiary of the PDAF which was well within (Martinez’s) duty, no other act was committed to establish conspiracy,” said lawyer Jesus Victor Valdez.

He said the allegations of conspiracy among the accused is clearly baseless and do not have a leg to stand on as clearly no irregularity or transgression of law ensued.

The graft case stemmed from allegations that a P10 million allocation for the Girl Scout of Philippines’ anti-drug campaign was deposited in Martinez’ personal account.

Aside from Martinez, also named respondents were her son, former Bogo City Mayor Celestino “Tining” Martinez III, her daughter and former Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) treasurer Ma. Cielo Martinez, municipal treasurer Rhett Minguez, municipal accountant Cresencio Verdida, bookkeeper Rhodariza Kilantang and GSP Cebu Council cashier Julieta Quino.

The Sandiganbyan is scheduled to hear the former congresswoman’s petition today. An arrest warrant was earlier issued by the Sandiganbayan against the respondents.

Martinez and the six other respondents. Bail was recommended at P40,000 for each respondent./Reporter Ador Vincent S. Mayol