Roberto Ongpin seeks documents on ex-worker’s complaint

Businessman Roberto Ongpin. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Businessman Roberto Ongpin asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide him with documents related to the serious illegal detention complaint filed against him by a former employee.

Aside from Ongpin, facing a case for serious illegal, grave coercion and robbery-detention are Michael Angelo Patrick Asperin alias Mike; Josephine Manalo; Ma. Natalia Cristina Manalo Dalupan; Atty. Cliburn Anthony Orbe, all from the Executive Office Alphaland; Atty. Carlo Bautista of Philweb Corporation; Rogelio Sulit, a security personnel of Alpha Force Security Agency; Jerry Penaflor, Jigsaw Cartas, Col. Gregor Mendel Panelo and Roderico Arellano Bautista, all from Alpha Force Securityy Agency. On the other hand, Carlito Sobrevega, flight dispatcher of Alphaland Aviation is included in the complaint as an accessory. Sobrevega is facing a separate complaint for falsification of official document.

In his complaint, Eduveges Batalan who works for Philweb Corporation said he was taken to Balesin Island Resort on Feb. 4 to make an inventory of wines and olive oils. While in Balesin, Batalan was confronted by allegations that he stole money from Ongpin’s company, questioning how he was able to afford a good house, cars and pharmacy business.

He said “he was threatened to be stuck in the island unless he tells everything.” He said he was tortured to sign an affidavit admitting the allegations. Then, he was asked to draft a resignation letter and open a P5.3 million account at the Bank of Commerce in Makati.

During Monday’s preliminary investigation, Ongpin, through his lawyer Alexander Poblador filed a motion for production and/or inspection of documents which he would use to answer the complaint filed against him.

“Respondents’ examination of all documents in support of the complaint is essential to the preparation of their defense. Thus, due process dictates that their period to file their respective counter-affidavits and supporting evidence be reckoned from the complete production and/or inspection of the documents,” the motion stated.

Among the documents Ongpin is requesting are complete and legible copies of the deposit slips at the Bank of Commerce, screenshots of text messages between Batalan and Rogelio Sulit, purported flight plans and records from the Civil Aviation authority of the Philippines, all documents and evidence gathered in the course of the National Bureau of Investigation, among others.

The DOJ gave the complainants 10 days to comment while Ongpin has 10 days to reply.

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