Congestion not only problem at Manila’s ports

Secretary to the Cabinet Rene Almendras should look into reports that the task force he organized to solve the congestion problem at the Manila ports is now engaged in shaking down legitimate importers and smugglers.

A member of a religious sect is reportedly behind the extortion racket, insiders at the Bureau of Customs say.

The going rate is allegedly P25,000 for each container that leaves the South Harbor and the Manila International Container Port.

Daang matuwid, my eye!

* * *

If you believe the story told to me by Navy Cmdr. Rey Lopez, one of the accused in the alleged murder of Ensign Phillip Pestaño, you might think twice about former Sen. Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr.

In a letter he sent to me, Lopez of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1992, said he met with Pestaño’s father, Felipe in November 2012 at the Via Mare Restaurant in Diliman, Quezon City.

Old man Pestaño was at the time a big contractor who had business dealings with the Navy.

Lopez said the meeting was arranged by police Supt. Arthur Bisnar (PMA Class 1990).

Bisnar, lawyer Jonas Imperial (PMA Class 1991) and Pimentel arrived at the restaurant with Don Pepe, according to Lopez.

While they were eating, Pestaño allegedly told Lopez, “Rey, I know you are innocent.”

Lopez said he instinctively asked the old man, “Then why did you file a case against us?”

“It was not I who filed the case against you but the Ombudsman,” Lopez quoted Pestaño as saying.

Lopez said he countered by saying, “It was your name and signature that appeared in the complaint against us.”

According to Lopez, the old man was taken aback and couldn’t reply.

Lopez said Pimentel interrupted by saying, “Ganyan talaga ’pag may kaso, may nadadamay (That’s how it is when a criminal case is filed, there are respondents).

“I got furious by the irresponsible comment of the erstwhile senator and was about to respond when Superintendent Bisnar, who was seated across me at the table, motioned to me to keep my peace,” Lopez said.

The Navy commander said Pimentel continued talking and insinuated that if he agreed to help them by changing his sworn affidavit and sign their prepared statement, then he would be freed of the case.

Lopez claimed the former senator wanted him to testify against his shipmates that they murdered the young Pestaño. He said he refused the offer.

Months after that meeting, Lopez and his coaccused were issued warrants of arrest.

Murder being a nonbailable offense, they are now in jail for the duration of their trial.

* * *

I know I might get me into trouble with former Senator Pimentel, who is a brilliant lawyer, for writing this column.

But I am fighting for justice for the men who are wrongly accused. As a journalist, it is my duty as a journalist to espouse the truth.

The accused Navy officers and enlisted men are languishing in jail awaiting the outcome of the murder case which should never have been filed at all.

On Sept. 27, 1995, Ensign Pestaño was found dead in his cabin aboard BRP Bacolod City with a bullet in his head.

The Pestaño family claimed he was murdered.

No less than Dr. Raquel Fortun, a forensics expert hired by the Pestaño family, has testified that Phillip killed himself and was not murdered.

What could be more telling than the testimony of an expert?