UNA to Sandigan: Make public probe on VIP treatment for Padaca, Mar

The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) wants the Sandiganbayan to make public an investigation on the alleged special treatment given to Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Grace Padaca last week.

UNA secretary-general Toby Tiangco said a bailiff, supposedly on orders from a justice, allowed Roxas and Padaca to use the basement parking at the Sandiganbayan, which is not open to the public. “We are deeply bothered by reports that Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas and Comelec Commissioner Grace Padaca were accorded special treatment at the Sandiganbayan last week allegedly upon the orders of a Sandiganbayan justice,” he said.

“It is in the public interest that the results of the investigation being conducted reportedly upon the behest of the other justices be made public. As a coequal branch of government, the judiciary must always be seen as independent.

“If proven true, the report would gravely undermine the independence of the Sandiganbayan in the eyes of the people.”

Tiangco, congressman from Navotas, said the Sandiganbayan may have accorded Padaca some consideration because of her disability, but not Roxas.

Tiangco said Roxas remains in control of the Liberal Party despite his being on leave as party president.

“His camp can be expected to use all avenues to bring down the high performance and trust rating of Vice President Jejomar Binay, and this may include resurrecting old charges against the Vice President or concocting new ones,” he said.

“Either way, such dirty politicking could end up before the Sandiganbayan. That a justice of the Sandiganbayan has reportedly extended to Roxas such special privilege, if true, is very troubling.”

Tiangco said the privilege of using the basement parking, which is exclusive for Sandiganbayan justices, is not even accorded to former presidents and other ranking government officials.

“Such a policy is meant to show that the court recognizes neither rank nor power but only the strength of the evidence presented before it,” he said.

“The privilege given to Roxas is more problematic. We may grant that given Padaca’s disability, some leeway may be accorded to her. But Roxas cannot claim any disability.”

Tiangco said Roxas claims to be on leave as Liberal Party president, but he continues to hold sway over the pro-administration party.

“His intention to run for 2016 is all but declared,” he said.

Roxas accompanied Padaca, who is facing charges of graft and malversation of public funds, when she posted bail at the Sandiganbayan last Thursday.

Other Sandiganbayan justices called for an investigation into the reported violation of the court’s security protocols.

Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Roland Jurado, whose name was allegedly used to give special treatment to Padaca and Roxas, has issued a show cause order against his own staff.

He denied he had allowed Padaca and Roxas to use the exclusive basement parking area last Oct. 4.

Renato Bocar, Sandiganbayan executive clerk of court, told The STAR yesterday concerned court personnel have been directed “to show cause why no administrative action should be taken against them.” Ð Jose Rodel Clapano, Michael Punongbayan