Sandigan asked to junk motions filed by PNP in helicopter deal

Manila, Philippines -  Government prosecutors are asking the Sandiganbayan to dismiss separate motions of former and incumbent police officials questioning the Office of the Ombudsman’s decision to indict them for their alleged involvement in the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) anomalous purchase of secondhand helicopters in 2009.

Bureau VII director Rodrigo Coquia and assistant special prosecutors Lynette Jandoc-Ludan, Jennifer Agustin-Se and Rohermia Jamsani-Rodriguez, said retired PNP chief Jesus Verzosa, Luizo Ticman, George Piano and Senior Superintendent Luis Saligumba failed to raise any new legal issue and submitted arguments that the Office of the Ombudsman had overruled on March 30, 2012.

All four are seeking a suspension of proceedings and challenging the basis for the graft case filed against them last June 6.

However, prosecutors said a finding of probable cause made must be upheld and arrest orders against the four be issued.

“The grounds cited by the accused... should be confronted in full blown trial,” they said. “Wherefore, premises considered, there being probable cause to hold all the accused for trial, it is most respectfully prayed of the Honorable Court that all motions of the accused be denied and the warrant of arrest be issued without delay.”