1-Pacman rep now a fugitive

MANILA, Philippines -  Rep. Mikee Romero of 1-Pacman party-list is now a fugitive after the Manila regional trial court (RTC) affirmed a ruling it handed down in January ordering the lawmaker’s arrest.

The arrest order was in connection with a P3.4-million qualified theft case filed against Romero and two other respondents by the Harbour Centre Port Terminal Inc. (HCPTI).

Judge Cicero Jurado Jr. of the RTC Branch 11 denied Romero’s motion to suspend the enforcement of the arrest warrant after the lawmaker failed to appear before the court. 

The Department of Justice received the decision earlier this week.

Clerk of court Julie Aylene Mendoza has endorsed the warrant to the Philippine National Police and its district offices as well as to the National Bureau of Investigation.

Jurado cited a resolution issued last year by the City Prosecutor of Manila recommending the filing of qualified theft charges against Romero, former HCPTI cashier Felicia Aquino and chief operating officer Edwin Jeremillo.

No bail was recommended for their temporary liberty.

Qualified theft is non-bailable if the amount involved is P222,000 or more.