NBI to investigate Estrada mansions

Following President Estrada’s directive, the Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered yesterday the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into the veracity of news reports about five mansions belonging to Mr. Estrada’s extended family.

Justice Secretary Artemio Tuquero issued the order to NBI Director Federico Opinion in compliance with a request by Interior and Local Government Secretary Alfredo Lim, who was designated on Monday night by Mr. Estrada to look into the allegations that five mansions were being constructed for his mistresses.

"You (Opinion) are hereby directed to organize five investigative teams composed of three agents each to conduct a fact-finding investigation into the ownership of the houses or mansions," Tuquero stated in his two-page directive.

Tuquero also instructed Opinion to initiate forfeiture proceedings against the mansions if found to be financed through ill-gotten funds.

The NBI was given until Nov. 15 to complete its inquiry and submit a report to the DOJ.

The operatives were instructed to coordinate with Lim, who was once NBI chief during the term of former President Corazon Aquino.

In its report, the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) alleged that Mr. Estrada used his cronies and lawyers as fronts in building the mansions intended for his mistresses.

Among the questioned assets were a 7,145-square meter house on 100 11th Street in New Manila, Quezon City registered in the name of presidential friends Jose Yulo; a 4,815-sq. m. house on 796 Harvard st. in Wack-Wack in Mandaluyong City under the name of Jacinto Ng; a 3,084-sq. m.. house on 551 Harvard st. also in Wack-Wack under the name of Verdant Forest Highlands Inc.; another 2,327-sq. m.. project on 973 Stanford st. in the name of Becks Resources Corp. (also Yulo’s); and a 1,162-sq. m.. mansion on 771 Harvard st., also in Wack-Wack registered in the name of Lucio Co, another presidential friend.

Yulo is allegedly a drinking buddy of Mr. Estrada and former chairman of the Presidential Commission on Mass Housing, while Co is the owner of Puregold Duty Free Shops who the PCIJ said is a frequent visitor at Malacañang.

St. Peter Holdings Corp., which reportedly oversaw the construction of the New Manila property commonly referred to as the "Boracay Mansion," listed Mr. Estrada’s lawyer Edward Serapio and five of his colleagues in the De Borja, Bello, Guevarra, Serapio and Gerodias Law Offices as among its incorporators.

Meanwhile, Press Secretary Ricardo Puno Jr. clarified that the President’s order was for members of his family to divest themselves of board membership and other interest in fund-raising organizations.

Puno said the order did not cover businesses or private companies put up by members of the First Family such as the JELP Real Estate Development Corp. registered in the name of the First Lady Dr. Luisa Ejercito.

The PCIJ report charged that JELP violated the building permit law in constructing townhouses in Antipolo City, adding that the President might have also committed an infraction of the anti-graft law by maintaining his shares in the corporation.

"The order of the President last night referred to foundations and non-profit organizations. But with regards to other companies which in their view were legitimate companies set up for ordinary and legitimate business, whatever questions raised with regard to that will be answered by their personal counsel," Puno said.

He also revealed that one of the President’s lawyers who has been assigned to handle cases arising from the PCIJ report is Silvestre Dollete, while retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Andres Narvasa will act as lead counsel in the impeachment proceedings.

Puno also defended the President’s designation of Lim as chief investigator of the five mansions being built for Mr. Estrada.

"I don’t think we need to doubt Secretary Lim’s ability or willingness to do this particularly difficult function," Puno said.

"He is serious about pursuing these investigations. The Cabinet and the President fully support him in this endeavor. There are no limitations," Puno added. –With Marichu Villanueva