Rizal fiscal faces probe for 'extortion'

MANILA, Philippines – Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez yesterday ordered an investigation of a prosecutor in Rizal who was arrested last Saturday for allegedly extorting money from the husband of a respondent.

“This will undergo proper investigation. Due process will be followed here,” Gonzalez said after hearing both sides of the extortion complaint against prosecutor Alexander Antonio.

Police told Gonzalez that Antonio was arrested in an entrapment based on the complaint of farmer Romeo Gasalao, whose wife faces a case of reckless imprudence over a traffic incident involving their tricycle.

In a meeting with Gasalao last May 7, Antonio allegedly demanded P20,000 and a gamecock in exchange for the dismissal of the case against his wife. Antonio denied the charges. – Edu Punay