DOJ bucks asylum for Ang, Ricaforte

The government will oppose any move by fugitives Charlie "Atong" Ang and Yolanda Ricaforte to seek political asylum in the United States, Justice Secretary Hernando Perez said yesterday.

"What they are pleading is that it’s a political case. Obviously, it’s a criminal case and therefore, they have no right to seek political asylum," Perez said.

He said the government will use all its resources to block attempts by Ang and Ricaforte to stay permanently in the US.

According to intelligence reports, Ang, gambling partner of deposed President Joseph Estrada, was either in Los Angeles or Las Vegas, while Ricaforte, personal auditor of the jailed president, was staying with her children in California.

"The moment they apply (for political asylum), we are going to resist it. And we are going to point out that they are not being subjected to political persecution and that they are facing criminal charges for plunder," Perez added.

US-based lawyer Donald Etra, who claimed to be representing Ang and Ricaforte, rejected allegations that the two are in hiding.

Etra said his clients were fully aware that US immigration agents were looking for them due to an extradition request by Manila.

Ang and Ricaforte fled to the US at the height of the people power II in January which toppled Estrada and catapulted then Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to the presidency.

The Department of Foreign Affairs, acting on the request of Perez, cancelled last Jan. 30 the passports of Ang and Ricaforte to force their return to the Philippines.

The justice department has also sought the assistance of US justice department authorities to speed up the extradition of the two fugitives.

"There is urgency on the request. Ricaforte and Ang are now aware of the order for their arrest, and they might flee the United States to evade prosecution in the Philippines," Perez stated in his letter to John Harris, acting director of the Office of International Affairs of the US justice department.

Etra alleged his clients fear for their lives if they returned to Manila, adding they have received death threats due to the current political upheaval in the country.

He claimed Philippine authorities have not given assurances for the safety of his clients.

Ang and Ricaforte were cited as co-accused of Estrada in a plunder case, a non-bailable capital offense in the country.

Of the eight respondents in the case, only the 64-year-old former movie actor, his son outgoing San Juan Mayor Jinggoy Estrada and lawyer Edward Serapio have been detained.

The rest remained at large.