The Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) Third Division has rescheduled anew the arraignment of Jaime Napoles, husband of pork barrel scam accused Janet Lim Napoles, on the tax evasion case filed against him by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
During Wednesday’s hearing, Napoles’ counsel informed the CTA Third Division that they challenged the division’s ruling before the Tax Court’s en banc (full court) via petition for review.
Napoles sought a reversal of the CTA Third Division’s January decision denying his motion to quash the information for tax evasion.
READ: Jaime Napoles appeal to reverse ruling on tax rap junked
Mr. Napoles’ tax liability based on the DOJ resolution is P16,470,402.7 for 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011 and 2012.
He filed a motion for reconsideration, however, it was also dismissed by the Tax Court’s Third Division.
“If accused will be arraigned, the petition will be rendered nugatory,” his counsel said.
An arraignment is the reading of criminal case against an accused. It is important because it intends to protect the accused as he or she would be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation against him or her. It will also allow the court to proceed with the trial in case the accused went into hiding.
Napoles was present during the hearing. He arrived ahead of his counsel.
When his case was called by the court, he assured that his counsel will arrive. The Tax Court fined his counsel P5,000 for being late.
Napoles’ arraignment is again set on June 8. RAM