Bail denied anew for 2 ex-Immigration execs, gaming operator in P50-M plunder rap
THE Sandiganbayan Sixth Division affirmed its ruling denying bail for two former Immigration officials and their alleged bagman in their P50 million plunder case based on the “weight of evidence” that was presented for “purposes of bail.”|
Then deputy commissioners Al Argosino and Michael Robles are accused of accepting money from “Wally” Sombero Jr., former president of the Asian Gaming Service Provider Association, Inc., at the City of Dreams on November 2016 in exchange for the release of 1,316 detained Chinese workers.
“Here, the prosecution’s evidence showed that the three (3) accused cooperated to achieve the same unlawful objective, i.e., the accumulation of ill-gotten wealth in the aggregate amount of P50 million. Accused Sombero, in two (2) instances, delivered paper bags containing money taken from the City of Dreams to accused Argosino and Robles. Accused Argosino, together with accused Robles, in turn, received said paper bags containing money in connection with the 1,316 detained Chinese nationals,” the court said in part in a 32-page resolution promulgated on November 12.
“It bears reiterating that the Court’s ruling herein is not a prejudgment of the guilt of the accused. The Court merely determined the weight of evidence for purposes of bail,” the court said.
The three have pleaded not guilty to the plunder charge.
They are also facing a related graft charge, bribery charge, and a charge of violation of Presidential Decree (PD) 46 — charges to which they have pleaded not guilty. Jack Lam a.k.a. Lam Yin Lok, who was charged with violation of PD 46, along with the three, remains at large. REINA TOLENTINO
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