Dating DBM Usec Relampagos isa nang ‘fugitive from justice’ sa pork scam

MANILA, Philippines — Dahil sa hindi pagbalik sa bansa, itinuturing nang pugante si dating Department of Budget and Management (DBM) undersecretary Mario Relampagos na sangkot sa pork barrel scam.

Sa inilabas na resolusyon ng Sandiganbayan Seventh Division, isa nang “fugitive from justice” si Relampagos na pinayagang makapunta ng Amerika mula Disyembre 2, 2017 hanggang Enero 1, 2018.

“Relying on accused Relampagos’ good faith in alleging his grounds to travel to the United States, this Court granted his motion to travel. Needless to say, accused Relampagos, in failing to return to the country... acted contrary to his representations to, and in blatant contempt of, this Court,” sabi ng Seventh Division.

“At this point, accused Relampagos is already considered a fugitive from justice,” dagdag nila.

Nahaharap sa 313 kaso si Relampagos sa anim na division ng Sandiganbayan dahil sa pork barrel scam at P900 milyon Malampaya Fund scam.

Ipinakakansela rin ng korte ang pasaporte ni Relampagos habang naglabas na rin ng arrest warrant sa dating undersecretary.

Nagpaalam si Relampagos na makalabas ng bansa upang dumalo sa financial management summit sa Washington at upang mabisita ang kaniyang anak at mga apo.

Ipinaalam naman ng mga abogado ng dating budget undersecretary na hindi na babalik sa bansa si Relampagos dahil sa umano’y hindi na kayang harapin ang mga kaso.

“Mr. Relampagos explained that he can no longer bear what he perceives as extreme injustice he is suffering and will certainly continue to suffer (and) will continue to bring unimaginable burden on his family and himself,” pahayag ng legal team ni Relampagos.