Ynares cries abuse, seeks suspension of graft cases

Former Rizal governor Casimiro Ynares Jr. has asked the Sandiganbayan to suspend his four graft cases, citing a pending plea with the Supreme Court to reverse his indictment for “grave abuse of discretion” on the Ombudsman’s part.

Ynares sought the “suspension of any proceedings  against him” in connection with the purchase of P3.6 million worth of allegedly overpriced fertilizers in 2004 and 2005.

In an 11-page motion, he said the issuance of an arrest warrant should be held in abeyance “until the final determination of the issues raised before the Supreme Court.”

Ynares and nine others face graft charges for the purchase of 2,455 bottles of Bio Nature Liquid Organic Fertilizers from Feshan Philippines Inc. at P1,500 each despite the availability of cheaper fertilizers for as low as P187 per bottle. —Vince F. Nonato