CA clears former Erap consultant of smuggling raps

ZAMBOAGA CITY, Philippines – The Court of Appeals (CA) has reversed a lower court ruling and acquitted a former consultant of then President Joseph Estrada, Wee Dee Ping, of smuggling and importation of toxic waste.

In a 30-page decision, the CA’s 22nd Division in Cagayan de Oro City also acquitted Wee’s co-accused Nancy Lim and Tan Nge Foo on charges of importation of toxic waste but affirmed the ruling of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 12 convicting them for smuggling.

The charges stemmed from the confiscation of 39 drums of chemicals shipped from Sandakan, Malaysia in June 2000 and spirited out of the port here without proper payment of customs duties and taxes. Wee, alias Lepeng Wee, was tagged as alleged consignee despite the absence of a bill of lading.

The CA said the allegations against Wee were mere hearsay, as there was no documentary evidence and that he was nowhere in sight when 19 of the 39 drums of chemicals intended for foam making were seized at the warehouse allegedly owned by Lim.

With his acquittal, Wee said he would not bear any grudges and demand legal actions against those who damaged his reputation.

“I will not, I will leave it to God. I’m already happy being acquitted and I don’t want to have a problem anymore. I would rather continue helping the poor,” Wee said.