Delfin Lee accuses Pampanga judge of usurpation, extortion

DETAINED Globe Asiatique president Delfin Lee has filed a complaint against a Pampanga judge for allegedly interfering with the syndicated estafa case filed against him.

In a five-page verified complaint filed with the Supreme Court, Lee accused Pampanga RTC Executive Judge Divina Luz Simbulan of gross ignorance of the law, usurpation of official functions and violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft Law.

Lee said the judge is allegedly meddling in the P6.6-billion syndicated estafa case filed against him pending before the sala of RTC, Branch 42 of San Fernando, Pampanga presided by Judge Maria Amifaith Fider-Reyes.

Lee specifically cited Simbulan’s actions of “rendering an opinion that I can be interviewed by the media, an opinion that is contrary to the position of Judge Fider-Reyes; and coordinating with the BJMP officials of Telabastagan for my immediate transfer despite the absence of any lawful order from Judge Fider-Reyes.”

He also accused Simbulan of Usurpation of Authority for representing herself before officials of BJMP Telabastagan that she has the jurisdiction and power to transfer him from the Pampanga Provincial Jail to BJMP Telabastagan.

He likewise asked the High court to refer the case to the Ombudsman for criminal investigation and prosecution after an alleged emissary of the judge’s husband offered to help him get media interviews in exchange for a brand new Nissan Patrol.

Lee said he refused to give the demand of the judge because “I am financially distressed because of the cases filed against me and because my business could not function well.”

Lee is facing a syndicated estafa case in connection with the 2008 housing project with the Pag-Ibig Fund worth over P6-billion.

Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez, who has supervision over judges nationwide, said he would look into Lee’s charges.
Judge Reyes has already set the hearing on Monday, Nov. 9, to rule on the issue.