Philippines: Businessman Cedric Lee, former Bataan mayor Angelo Peliglorio Jr. arrested for political corruption.
On Friday the Sandiganbayan issued the arrest of business person Cedric Lee and former Mariveles, Bataan mayor Angel Peliglorio Jr. for graft and malversation charges over the allegedly anomalous release of government fund worth, P23 million for a public market, report said.
Mr. Peliglorio is accused of releasing P23.47 million and P14.05 million in bank loans to Lee’s Izumo Contractors Inc. in 2005 without following audit guidelines and legal rules, according to reports.
The alleged misused of government fund was intended for the construction of the Mariveles public market was also never started despite the advanced payment.
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, who recommended the filing charges against the respondents over political corruption, the Court’s Third Division said it has found probable cause to put Mr. Lee and Peliglorio on trial for graft and malversation of public funds.
“Let a warrant for the arrest of the said accused be issued, unless he has already posted the required bond for his provisional liberty in the meantime,” the resolution read.
Lee is also out on bail for his illegal detention and grave coercion cases with model Deniece Cornejo at the Taguig Regional Trial Court for their alleged role in beating up and extorting money from television host and actor Vhong Navarro.
“Lee has claimed he was a victim of a political catfight because incumbent mayor Jesse Concepcion refused to implement his political rival Peliglorio’s project”
The Court’s Third Division junked Lee’s motion for re-consideration, but allowed to post a bail bond (political corruption) a total of P70,000 (1,536 USD)for both graft and the malversation case for his first freedom. FILE IMAGE COURTESY OF MB.COM.PH/(KJ ROSALES)
