13 ex-DBP execs ordered arrested

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan has ordered the arrest of 13 former officials of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) for allegedly granting behest loans to a private firm owned by businessman Roberto Ongpin in 2009.

Ordered arrested were former DBP board chair Patricia Sto. Tomas, Alexander Magno, Ramon Durano IV, Floro Oliveros, Renato Velasco, Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio Jr., Arturo Baliton, Perla Soleta, Warren de Guzman, Teresita Tolentino, Marissa Cayetano, Nelson Macatlang and Rodolfo Cerezo.

In a ruling penned by Associate Justice Jose Hernandez, the anti-graft court also ordered the arrest of private respondents Josephine Manalo of Delaventures Resources Inc. (DVRI) and Goldenmedia Corp. treasurer Ma. Lourdes Torres.

The Sandiganbayan denied the motions filed by the respondents as it found probable cause against the accused.

“This Court does not find any need of additional supporting evidence solely for the purpose of determining probable cause,” the Sandiganbayan said as it ruled that the arguments raised by the respondents during hearings should be presented in the trial proper.

The anti-graft court said there is no need to order the arrest of Ongpin, former DBP president and vice chairman Reynaldo David, and officers Franklin Velarde, Joseph Donato Pangilinan, Miguel Romero, Edgardo Garcia, Armando Samia, Rolando Geronimo, Jesus Guevarra II, and Crescencia Bundoc as they have already posted bail.

Magno, who writes a column for The STAR, posted bail yesterday. He refused to comment.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales ordered the filing of graft charges against the former DBP officials in September last year after the bank granted two loans – P150 million and P510 million in April 2009 and November 2009, respectively – to DVRI, which was said to be undercapitalized.

On the administrative aspect of the case, the anti-graft agency ordered the dismissal from government service of Bitonio Jr., Magno, Velasco, Velarde, Garcia, Guevarra II, Bundoc, Baliton, Macatlang, Cayetano, Tolentino, Cerezo, and De Guzman for grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.