DOJ summons De Borja
MANILA, Philippines – A businessman accused of bribing a Court of Appeals justice with P10 million to inhibit himself from the case of Government Service Insurance System vs. Manila Electric Co. was summoned to appear before the Department of Justice.
The three-man justice department panel investigating the case has ordered Francis de Borja to appear at a hearing at 10 a.m. on Oct. 16 to answer the allegations of suspended Associate Justice Jose Sabio Jr.
Justice Undersecretary Ernesto Pineda, panel chairman, said there is sufficient basis to proceed with the probe after Sabio presented witnesses against De Borja.
“There is enough basis to continue with the investigation after Justice Jose Sabio earlier presented witnesses to support his claims,” he said.
During the panel’s last hearing on Sept. 18, Sabio’s lawyer asked that the bribery probe be expanded to include dismissed CA Associate Justice Vicente Roxas.
Lawyer Vicente Chuidian told the panel his client believes that there was a conspiracy between Roxas and De Borja.
“We believe there is independent proof of a conspiracy between Justice Roxas and Mr. De Borja,” he said.
“We ask that other parties be called.” – Mike Frialde
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