Ex-congresswoman wants arrest warrant voided, seeks bail

CLAVEL MARTINEZ

MANILA, Philippines—Former Cebu congresswoman Clavel Asas Martinez, her coaccused son and daughter, and three others have asked the Sandiganbayan to recall the arrest orders issued against them and grant them bail, in connection with the graft and malversation charges that they are facing.

Martinez and her coaccused claimed that the Ombudsman, who filed the charges, had failed to recommend bail.

Those who have been charged with Martinez are former Bogo Mayor Celestino Martinez III, former Girl Scouts of the Philippines Cebu Council treasurer Cielo Martinez, municipal treasurer Rhett Minguez, municipal accountant Cresencio Verdida, bookkeeper Rhodariza Kilantang and GSP Cebu Council cashier Julieta Quino.

They have all filed separate motions to dismiss the case, suspend proceedings and to be allowed to post bail.

The charges stem from allegations that P11.5 million in Martinez’s pork barrel intended for the GSP’s antidrug campaign was deposited in her personal account in 2003.—Cynthia Balana