Aman Futures co-accused denies bribe attempt on prosecutors

MANILA -- Pagadian City Mayor Samuel Co is confident that he will be cleared of charges linking him to the multi-billion investment scam of the defunct Aman Futures Group Philippines, Inc., his lawyer said Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters, lawyer Trixie Angeles denied reports that her client is allegedly trying to bribe the prosecutors handling the preliminary investigation by asking them to downgrade the syndicated estafa cases against him.

Reports said Co is planning to offer P5 million to each prosecutor and P10 million to panel chairperson Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Edna Valenzuela.

"There's no need for the mayor to do something like this," she said.

Co supposedly connived with Aman founder Manuel Amalilio to siphon a large amount of money from investors who were made to believe the firm's double-your-money scheme.

Angeles said Co was also a victim, having invested some P40 million into the company.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima vouched for the integrity of her prosecutors although she promised to have this issue investigated.

"I will look into this since it's a serious allegation," she said.

Co is eyeing a seat in the House of Representatives in the May midterm elections under the ruling Liberal Party. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)