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Sunday, July 15, 2007
Judge keeps ‘damning evidence’ on Cebu’s marriage scam
* Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) Judge Donato Navarro says he has in his possession “pretty damning evidence” on the widely publicized marriage scam at the MBF Palace of Justice, Capitol Compound, Cebu City
* Navarro says they came from unknown sources but won’t say what they contain and how authentic they are
* That, as lawyer Rullyn Garcia, Supreme Court judicial supervisor for Central Visayas who headed the to team investigate the marriage cases, says the inquiry is “over for now”
* Garcia also denies that some judges were omitted from the list of “scammers,” saying everyone was investigated
CEBU CITY -- A Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) judge said he holds “pretty damning” evidence on the Cebu City Marcelo Fernan Memorial Hall of Justice marriage scam.
This, as the head of the nine-man Supreme Court team said their investigation is “over for now.” Lawyer Rullyn Garcia, though, did not disclose anything yet, saying he still has to prepare his report.
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He denied the allegations contained in an unsigned letter addressed to Chief Justice Reynato Puno that some judges were intentionally missed out in the so-called “list of scammers.”
The letter linked Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Geraldine Faith Econg to the scam.
Econg is handling the parricide case against Philippine Benevolent Missionary Association (PBMA) Supreme Leader Ruben Ecleo Jr.
“It is not true, all RTC and MTCC (judges) have been investigated, walang nakaligtaan (no one was excluded),” said Garcia in telephone interview.
The High Tribunal earlier suspended four Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) judges for alleged involvement in the scam.
Judge Donato Navarro, whose complaint led to the SC investigation, told reporters Saturday that he received the evidence from an anonymous sender.
He did not reveal the content of the evidence, though.
The MTCC branch 6 judge said people have been sending him documents since the issue broke out.
In a way, he said, doing so is the people’s way of saying they have lost confidence in the judiciary.
He plans to turn over the so-called evidence to the investigating team as soon as possible.
After Navarro’s expose’ last June, the SC ordered an indefinite preventive suspension of Judges Rosabella Tormis, Gil Acosta, Anatalio Necesario and Edgemelo Rosales.
Chief Justice Reynato Puno also ordered the immediate filing of administrative charges for corruption, dishonesty, gross ignorance of the law, and deliberate violation of the law on marriage against them.
Navarro has since distanced himself from the investigation, saying three of the suspended judges were his friends.
RTC Judge Geraldine Faith Econg has also been dragged into the controversy by the unsigned letter Puno received.
Garcia said if the allegations have basis, he is more than willing to conduct an investigation.
He, however, clarified that he still has to receive orders as regard the letter from the chief justice.
The letter also alleged that many judges and employees were drug users, prompting Econg to undergo a drug test, the result of which was negative.
“Keep your cool,” was Navarro’s advise to the lady judge.
RTC Executive Judge Fortunato de Gracia earlier said the letter came from a “wounded animal.”
He said Econg might have earned the ire of those affected by the investigation because the inquiry was done largely from her office.
But Econg pointed out that Garcia’s team opted to use her office as base because it is the only court with Internet access and an available fax machine.
Navarro said if indeed there is a scam, it is the fixers, not the judges, who have first-hand knowledge.
He urged the members of the judiciary to continue rendering service to the public despite the controversy. (JGA/KNR of Sun.Star Cebu)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star General Santos. (July 15, 2007 issue)
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