Former PCSO official seeks dismissal of plunder case

A former official of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) plunder case has asked the Sandiganbayan to dismiss the plunder case against her for lack of evidence.

In her 32-page demurrer, former PCSO board member Ma. Fatima Valdes said the court’s First Division should also dismiss her case, just like the case of fellow board members in April 2015.

She also cited the Supreme Court’s July 2016 decision overturning the Sandiganbayan’s denial of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s demurrer, effectively junking the plunder case and paving the way for her freedom after four years of detention.

Valdes said prosecutors have chosen to adopt the previous plunder case proceedings entirely, adding “nothing more” in her case.

“The prosecution has not produced any additional or specific evidence that is only applicable to accused Valdes that will support a conclusion that she should be treated differently as her coaccused,” the demurrer read.