Surrender or be arrested, ‘pork’ accused told

By: Marc Jayson Cayabyab - 10 years ago

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines –A Sandiganbayan official told pork barrel scam suspects who remain at large for plunder to surrender already to save the embarrassment of being arrested.

Executive Clerk of Court Renato Bocar on Monday said those accused for plunder must surrender if they do not want to be arrested by the police and the National Bureau of Investigation.

“They should prepare themselves to be arrested,” Sandiganbayan spokesperson Bocar told reporters, adding that the arresting officers are conducting manhunt operations already.

Plunder is a non-bailable offense for public officers or their co-accused for purportedly amassing at least P50 million in ill-gotten wealth.

Of those accused of plunder, only Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon Revilla Jr., as well as Revilla’s former legislative officer Richard Cambe, have surrendered to the Sandiganbayan and police after the issuance of their warrants of arrest.

Those charged with plunder who have yet to surrender are: John Raymund De Asis, alleged mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles’ employee; Ronald John Lim, Napoles’ nephew; and Pauline Labayen, Estrada’s former deputy chief of staff.

Bocar said they should be able to surrender within 10 days from the issuance of warrant. The arresting officer is expected to report to the court after 10 days of receipt of warrant on the status of their manhunt.

After 10 days, these accused may already be considered fugitives from the law, Bocar added.

“They can be considered at large, already,” Bocar said in Filipino.

Meanwhile, those charged with graft may post bail for them not to be arrested, Bocar said, adding that paying the bail means they surrendered to the custody of the court for the trial.

The anti-graft court is hearing the biggest corruption scandal under the current administration – the alleged pillaging of public funds to ghost projects for kickbacks. Those facing plunder charges are Senators Estrada, Revilla, and Juan Ponce Enrile. Estrada and Revilla have surrendered to the police.