MANILA, Philippines - Former mayor Angel Peliglorio Jr. of Mariveles town in Bataan yesterday pleaded not guilty to charges of graft and malversation filed against him with the Sandiganbayan.
Peliglorio’s co-accused, businessman Cedric Lee, managed to move the date of his arraignment after filing a motion seeking to dismiss the criminal cases filed against him.
Both were indicted last month for their alleged involvement in the questionable release of P37.5 million in public funds in March 2005.
The Office of the Ombudsman said the money from a bank loan was released to Lee’s firm, Izumo Contractors Inc., as advance payment for a government project that did not push through.
Both are out on bail after paying P70,000 each – P30,000 each for graft and P40,000 each for malversation.
The Sandiganbayan moved Lee’s arraignment to Oct. 20 and ordered the ombudsman to answer his motion to quash the case within 10 days.
Defense lawyers were given another 10 days to answer the prosecution’s comment before the case will be submitted for resolution.