Cornley to be arraigned today

MANILA, Philippines - Former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) import Jamelle Cornley is set to be arraigned today on the charges filed in connection with allegedly making a scene at a hotel in Quezon City and attacking a police officer last March.

Cornley, who failed to attend his arraignment on May 21, is facing direct assault and alarm and scandal charges before Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 31 Judge Maria Gilda Pangilinan.

His lawyer, Lino Dumas, earlier told reporters that his client failed to attend the arraignment as he was out of the country for a basketball clinic. He said Cornley will return to the country to face the charges filed against him.

Cornley was arrested on March 27 after punching Police Officer 2 Anselmo Lazatin of the Quezon City Police District, who responded to a scene at a hotel along Timog Avenue where the cager reportedly trashed computers and other equipment in a drunken fit after discovering that his $1,500 was missing after he checked in with three women.

During inquest proceedings, prosecutor Leandro Raul Gonzales recommended the filing of the two charges against the former Rain or Shine import. Cornley, who spent five days in detention, was released on April 1 after posting the recommended P14,000 bail.