Prosecution to wrap up presentation of evidence in Garcia plunder case

MANILA, Philippines - The prosecution is expected to wrap up its presentation of evidence in the plunder trial of former Armed Forces comptroller Carlos Garcia before the Sandiganbayan next month.

Assistant Special Prosecutor III Jun Balmeo said he is almost done presenting witnesses to prove how the retired major general had amassed more than P303 million from kickbacks and other illegal sources.

“We’re still presenting evidence,” he said.

“We have a hearing on Feb. 26, and two more hearings this March. But we’re wrapping up and will be resting our case, of course with the approval of Ombudsman Gutierrez.”

Balmeo said the prosecution has presented some 30 witnesses, including a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent who was among those who caught Garcia’s son carrying $100,000 in San Francisco in December 2003.

Of Garcia’s alleged P303 million ill-gotten wealth, P56 million remain intact because the Anti-Money Laundering Council was able to freeze his bank accounts after some P128 million was withdrawn between Oct. 4 and 8, 2004, he added.

He believes that the P128-million is still in the country because all of it was withdrawn in Philippine currency when, Balmeo said.

Garcia’s wife and children remain at large and might be hiding in the US, according to the prosecution.

The anti-graft court has not resolved Garcia’s petition for bail, Balmeo said.

Last Wednesday, the Sandiganbayan sentenced Garcia to a maximum of two years in prison for failing to declare a multi-million peso account in the Armed Forces and Police Savings & Loan Association Inc. and the true value of his three vehicles in his Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Net Worth for the year 2000. – Michael Punongbayan