Ex-Solgen wants graft case dismissed

MANILA, Philippines - Former solicitor general Agnes Devanadera has asked the Sandiganbayan to dismiss the graft case filed against her by the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the settlement deal signed by the state-owned Philippine National Construction Corp. with a British lending entity for the payment of the PNCC’s P6.1-billion  loan.

In a 31-page motion filed before the anti-graft court’s First Division on Wednesday, Devanadera maintained that there was no probable cause to indict her for the alleged crime.

She also asked the Sandiganbayan to suspend the issuance of a warrant for her arrest.

Devanadera slammed Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales for approving the filing of a “baseless” graft case against her without hearing her arguments.

Devanadera and 18 others were charged by the ombudsman with violation of Republic Act 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, in connection with an agreement with creditor Radstock Securities Inc. that was allegedly disadvantageous to the government.

The Supreme Court has voided the agreement.