Ex-PCSO exec in plunder case surrenders

MANILA, Philippines–A former official of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Monday surrendered himself before the Sandiganbayan and asked that he be arraigned for plunder.

Jose Taruc V is one of the co-accused of former president now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in a plunder case in connection with alleged misuse of PCSO funds.

Taruc’s request is contained in a 26 page omnibus motion before the Sandiganbayan 1st Division.

Taruc surrendered himself to officials of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Camp Crame.

At the same time, he asked the anti-graft court to allow him to stay at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame.

He said he would file a motion for bail for his temporary liberty.

Taruc left the country in July 2012 before the Bureau of Immigration could issue a hold departure order against them.

But Justice Secretary Leila De Lima earlier said Taruc has been sending feelers to the government on his intention to surrender.

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