Ynares wants graft raps dismissed

MANILA, Philippines - Former Rizal governor Casimiro Martin Ynares Jr. has asked the Sandiganbayan to dismiss the graft charges filed against him in connection with the fertilizer fund scam.

In an 11-page motion dated Feb. 13 and released to the media yesterday, Ynares through his lawyer Jose Valentino Dave said his constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases had been violated.

Ynares said the alleged crime was committed in 2004, but the Office of the Ombudsman found probable cause to indict him and the other respondents only on Aug. 16, 2016. He said it was only on Feb. 6 when the cases were filed before the Sandiganbayan.

“Almost 12 years had lapsed and no explanation was offered for the unreasonable delay in the filing and resolution of the complaints,” Ynares said in his motion.

He also asked the court to suspend any proceedings and the issuance of a warrant of arrest.         

 Ynares and his co-accused are facing four counts of graft over the alleged anomalous purchase of liquid fertilizers amounting to P3.597 million in November 2004 and March 2005.