Pre-trial for graft case vs ex-PNP chief set April
THE PRE-TRIAL of former Philippine National Police (PNP) DirectorGeneral Alan L. M. Purisima, who is charged with graft in connection with an allegedly anomalous courier service contract, has been deferred to April 18.
At a hearing on Tuesday, both the prosecution and defense sought an extension to finish marking the documents to be presented in court during the trial proper.
Mr. Purisima attended the scheduled pre-trial at the Sandiganbayan’s Sixth Division.
The dismissed PNP chief is charged with violation of Section 3 ( e) of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti- Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for his involvement in the courier service contract awarded to Werfast Documentary Agency, Inc. in 2011. Werfast was later found to be an unregistered firm and, thus, unqualified for the deal.
The Ombudsman ordered Mr. Purisima’s dismissal in June 2015. He was also ordered arrested in May 2016, but immediately posted P30,000 bail.
The Ombudsman has also indicted Mr. Purisima and former Special Action Forces (SAF) Director Getulio P. Napeñas for the bloody Mamasapano police operation of Jan. 25, 2015. The two face criminal charges for violating Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code on usurpation of authority or official functions as well as section 3 (a) of the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act. —