Retired judge allegedly helped in resolving Atong Ang's cases, says Patidongan
According to Ian Cruz's exclusive report on '24 Oras,' Patidongan claimed that the former judge also helped him and five others to be acquitted in one of the cases connected to the disappearances of over 30 sabungeros.
'Katulad ng itong sa kaso namin na anim, kaya medyo naabsuwelto kami, kasi si ex-judge na 'yan,' he said.
(Just like the case that the six of us faced, we were acquitted because of that ex-judge.)
Patidongan alleged that it was Ang who told him that the former judge had his hands on their case.
'Kaya naman nalalaman ko, nagtatago ako o nasa bahay na ako sa Mindanao, tinatawag niya sa akin yan, pagsabi nya: 'Dondon, magpasalamat ka kay ex-judge ha? Kasi siya naayos na ang ano natin.' Minsan kasi nasa Japan 'yan sila, doon sila naguusap-usap,' he said.
(I knew about him because when I was hiding in Mindanao, he [Ang] called me up to tell me: 'Dondon, give your thanks to the ex-judge ha? Because he worked on our case.' They were both staying sometimes in Japan and they discussed things there.)
Patidongan also claimed that the former judge had a big influence on the judiciary.
But Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said that the Supreme Court is already investigating the alleged corrupt judges who could be involved in the disappearances of the sabungeros.
'Information pa lang 'yan… Basta I gave them something they're trying to digest now. But there's more coming, there's more coming,' said Remulla.
(That's only information…I gave them something and they're trying to digest it now. But there's more coming.)
For its part, the Supreme Court said that it had already received information about the matter.
'The Supreme Court has received initial information from the Department of Justice regarding claims that an individual allegedly involved in the 'Sabungero' case may be exerting influence over judges and justices,' said SC in a statement.
'...the Court treats such information with utmost seriousness and conducts an independent and thorough investigation. When warranted, appropriate actions are taken under established procedures,' it added.—GMA Integrated News
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