MANILA -- The Sandiganbayan on Monday has approved the controversial plea bargain deal of the Office of the Ombudsman with former military comptroller Carlos Garcia.

The plea bargain agreement, a subject of several congressional hearings, allowed Garcia to return P135 million in assets and be charged for money laundering instead of plunder.

The approval came on the same day that several militant groups filed graft and obstruction of justice complaints against former ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez for her alleged inaction on the Fertilizer Fund scam.

House justice committee vice chair and Ilocos Norte Representative Rodolfo Farinas reserved comment on the matter.

“I could not make an intelligent comment until I’ve read the Sandiganbayan order or decision,” he said in a text message.

To recall, the alleged illegal plea bargain deal was investigated by the House justice committee. The deal was also part of the impeachment complaint filed against Gutierrez under the low conviction charge against her. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)