Osmeña staffer wants to turn state witness

CEBU CITY — Gov. Pablo Garcia said one of three employees of Vice Gov. John Gregory Osmeña linked to the controversial multibillion-peso shipment of ephedrine, a substance used in making shabu, has sent feelers to turn state witness.

Garcia would not identify who among Joebert Cuesta, Ma. Rowena Roldan and Rorela Villegas was ready to become a whistle blower.

He said one of them hinted of interest to be placed under the government’s witness protection program.

The staffer had reportedly called the governor at his office after Rep. Antonio Cuenco, chairman of the House committee on dangerous drugs, ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to file a case of perjury against Cuesta and Roldan.

The two reportedly denied involvement in Coastside Ventures Inc. when documents from the Securities and Exchange Commission validated that the three were among its corporate officers.

Based on the documents, Cuesta is the chief executive officer of Coastside Ventures, while Roldan is the president.

Coastside Ventures Inc. is the consignee of the P3.6-billion, 1.7-ton ephedrine shipment from China, which was seized at the Cebu International Port last March 5. — Freeman News Service