Arroyo's co-accused in plunder case posts P1-M bail

MANILA, Philippines - Former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) director Jose Taruc V on Tuesday posted a P1-million bail for his release from detention, two weeks after he surrendered to authorities.

Taruc is among the co-accused of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in a plunder case involving P366-million of PCSO's funds.

The Sandiganbayan First Division issued a temporary release order following the settlement of P1 million cash by Taruc's lawyer, Vince Saavedra.

The anti-graft court allowed Taruc to post bail Monday in connection with the plunder case.

Read: Ex-PCSO official granted P1-M bail in plunder case

Chief Superintendent Benjamin Magalong , director of the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, had said that Taruc returned to the country and surrendered last March 17 after learning that two of his co-accused were able to post bail.

Former PCSO chairman Manuel "Manoling" Morato and director Raymundo Roquero, who are also respondents in the plunder case, were allowed to post bail.

The Sandiganbayan, however, had junked the petitions to post bail by Arroyo and former PCSO budget and accounts manager Benigno Aguas.