Court orders arrest of ex-bank owner

The court has issued a warrant of arrest against the former owner of Philippine Countryside Rural Bank, Inc. for estafa.

Lapu-Lapu City Regional Trial Court Branch 53 presiding judge Benedicto Cobarde issued the arrest warrant against Jacinto Jamero of 103 Eagle St., Sto. Nino Village, Banilad, Cebu City.

But after being informed about the pending arrest warrant, Jamero said through his lawyer that he is willing to surrender. He was able to put up P40,000 bail for his temporary liberty.

As this developed, the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office dismissed the estafa case that Jamero filed against Celso Delos Angeles, former chairman of the Legacy Consolidated Plans Inc.

City prosecutor Nicolas Sellon approved the recommendation of prosecutor Daphne Andal-Degoma to dismiss the case, citing the lack of probable cause.

Cobarde issued the warrant for Jamero's arrest after Lapu-Lapu City prosecutor Evangeline Gicale recommended the filling of charges for estafa against him based on the complaint filed by PCRB officials.

The PCRB officials, represented by Ronaldo Alix, filed the complaint against Jamero last year after noting he made illegal transactions based on audit report.

But Gicale had first dismissed the complaint pending approval and recognition by the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on the case.

The PCRB officials that filed a motion for reconsideration of the Gicale's resolution, citing that the estafa charges can be prosecuted de officio.

PCRB lawyers argued that assuming the BSP authority is necessary, the present board of directors of the bank, which authorized Alix to file the complaint, had been recognized by the BSP.

They contended that Jamero obstructed the PCRB's more than P85 million funds, and the P65,850 he indorsed in favor of PCRB is grossly insufficient and inadequate to cover the amount.

The bank officials also said that documents will show that BSP, through Wilfredo Domo-ong, director of supervisory and examination department, was informed about the transfer of the shareholdings of the Jameros to Legacy Consolidated Plans, Inc. through a letter dated July 22, 2003. - Jose P. Sollano