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The Arroyo government will seek the help of the United States in
strengthening its case against plunder-accused Maj. Gen. Carlos
Garcia.
The Manila Times learned that the Office of the
Special Prosecutor is seeking authority from Ombudsman Maria
Merceditas Navarro-Gutierrez to invoke the Mutual Legal Assistance
Treaty (MLAT) to secure some documents relevant to dollars
confiscated from the Garcia family.
In particular, the prosecution wants to secure
documents pertaining to the dollars confiscated from members of the
Garcia family in the US, specifically the January and December 17,
2003 documents involving the confiscation from Garcia’s sons of
$200,000 and $100,000, respectively.
The special prosecutor is also eyeing US
authorities to testify on the veracity of these documents.
The invocation of MLAT was reportedly requested
by Assistant Special Prosecutors Jose Balmeo Jr. and Joseph
Capistrano to cement their case against Garcia. The use of MLAT
shall be coordinated with US Legal Attache Robert Courtney.
One of the four perjury charges against Garcia
is set to be promulgated on April 10 before the Sandiganbayan 2nd
Division, which has already deferred hearing the case twice.
Garcia, then AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for
Comptrollership, had been charged with violation of the Code of
Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees,
plunder and perjury.
Garcia was charged in the year 2004 with four
counts of perjury and plunder, and two ill-gotten wealth lawsuits.
-- Jomar Canlas
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