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[av_heading heading=’Degamo unfazed by arrest order’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”][/av_heading]
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Thursday, January 26, 2017
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DUMAGUETE City – The Sandiganbayan has ordered the arrest of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo for graft in connection with the alleged misuse of P460 million in calamity funds.
But Degamo was unfazed. Yesterday, the governor said he has not yet received a copy of the warrant of arrest. He dismissed the case as just another attempt by his detractors to remove him from capitol.
But once the arrest warrant is served, Degamo said he would post the bail bond required for the case, just like in ordinary cases.
He claimed that someone, whom he refused to identify, could not yet accept that he won the governorship by a “very wide margin.”
Degamo said he already heard “two to three weeks ago” that he will be served an arrest warrant this week.
The Sandiganbayan also ordered arrested Provincial Accountant Teodorico Reyes and Provincial Treasurer Danilo Mendez.
Provincial legal officer Richard Enojo said he was surprised when he learned that the Sandiganbayan ordered the governor’s arrest since they have not yet received a copy of the decision denying their motion for judicial determination of evidence.
Degamo, Mendez, Reyes, and Enojo are expected to fly to Manila today to post the required bail bond.
After the posting of bail, the propriety of the issuance of a suspension order will be heard, Enojo said.
Enojo clarified that Degamo wants the Sandiganbayan to hear the 11 counts of criminal complaints filed by June Vincent Gaudan.
Degamo is confident he would be absolved, citing a Court of Appeals decision saying he had no criminal intent when he proceeded with the projects funded by the calamity funds and he used the funds in good faith.
The Sandiganbayan found probable cause to try Degamo, Mendez and Reyes for violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and malversation through falsification of public documents under the Revised Penal Code.
That the anti-graft court found probable cause to try Degamo does not immediately mean the governor is guilty, Enojo said.
Degamo called on his constituents not to panic and asked for their prayers. (PNA)
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