DOJ prosecutor ordered charged for mulcting PALEA members

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales on Monday ordered the filing of a criminal case against a senior prosecutor of the Department of Justice who was caught in an attempt to extort P2.5 million from members of the Philippine Airlines Employees Association (PALEA).

In an 8-page resolution, Morales approved the filing of direct bribery case as well as violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees against Assistant State Prosecutor III Diosdado Bernales Solidum Jr. before the Sandiganbayan.

Solidum was arrested Friday night by members of the National Bureau of Investigation in an entrapment operation authorized by Justice Secretary Leila De Lima.

PALEA members appealed a Pasay City Prosecutors’ ruling charging them for violation of the Civil Aviation Authority Act of 2008 due to work stoppage in September 2011.

Solidum allegedly demanded P10,000 from each PALEA members implicated in the case or a total of P2.5 million. The amount was later reduced to P1.2 million payable in instalment in exchange for the dismissal of the case.