Sandiganbayan issues HDO vs former solon accused of plunder

Sandiganbayan (PNA photos by Gil S. Calinga)

MANILA — Sandiganbayan Fifth Division on Monday issued a hold departure order (HDO) against a former party-list congressman facing plunder in the second batch of multi-billion-peso pork barrel scam cases.

The anti-graft division barred ex-Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC) Rep. Edgar Valdez and his 29 co-accused from leaving the country without permission from the court.

Valdez was charged of plunder and seven counts of graft in relation to allegations of converting Php57.79 million PDAF for his personal benefit out of the Php95 million pork funds channeled to his office from 2007 to 2009.

The alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles was named respondent in the plunder case of Valdez.

Napoles is already facing three other plunder charges and 42 graft cases before three divisions of Sandiganbayan after being named co-accused of Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada.

Last Friday, ex-Benguet Rep. Samuel Dangwa posted Php520,000 bail for his temporary liberty as the Sandiganbayan Third Division also issued a HDO against him and his co-accused.

Dangwa evaded possible arrest by posting bail ahead of the issuance of arrest warrant against him for his malversation and graft cases.

The former Benguet solon was accused of mishandling Php42.1 million pork barrel funds‎.