Erap son-in-law offers proof denying role in anti-Arroyo plot
A son-in-law of detained former President Joseph Estrada presented on Wednesday to the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) evidence that part of his donation intended for a soldiers’ cooperative had been returned to the Saludo sa Kawal Filipino Foundation.
Through Marina Siena Bautista, Manuel “Beaver" Lopez presented a letter from a law firm offering counsel to rebel soldiers indicating that funds it earlier solicited from the foundation had been returned.
Lopez, who chairs the foundation, is married to Estrada’s daughter, Jacqueline. He is in the US but has denied any involvement in the foiled February 24 coup against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
A letter dated July 18 was written by lawyer Ruel Pulido, saying that P850,000 of the P1-million donation to the Magdalo soldiers has been returned to the foundation. The letter also said the P150,000 was allotted for the “administrative expenses."
A second document, the acknowledgement receipt, indicated that the foundation received P850,000 from Pulido. The third document is the deposit slip proving that Bautista deposited the said amount in the bank.
Lopez was said to be one of the financiers of the foiled coup for giving donations to the Magdalo through his foundation.
CIDG chief Director Jesus Verzosa said the authorities will still have to review the documents.
“We have conducted investigation before of the Saludo sa Kawal Foundation on suspicion of alleged channeling of funds from the foundation towards the Magdalo officers and rightists elements," Versoza said.
Versoza also said Estrada children Jacqueline and Jude, lawyer Edward Serapio, and businessman Jaime Dichavez will be invited for further questioning. All are incorporators of the foundation.
As for Pulido, Versoza said the Magdalo lawyer should explain allegations by Army 1Lt. Lawrence San Juan that he acted as one of the group’s propagandists by preparing press releases and arranging media interviews. - GMANews.TV
Through Marina Siena Bautista, Manuel “Beaver" Lopez presented a letter from a law firm offering counsel to rebel soldiers indicating that funds it earlier solicited from the foundation had been returned.
Lopez, who chairs the foundation, is married to Estrada’s daughter, Jacqueline. He is in the US but has denied any involvement in the foiled February 24 coup against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
A letter dated July 18 was written by lawyer Ruel Pulido, saying that P850,000 of the P1-million donation to the Magdalo soldiers has been returned to the foundation. The letter also said the P150,000 was allotted for the “administrative expenses."
A second document, the acknowledgement receipt, indicated that the foundation received P850,000 from Pulido. The third document is the deposit slip proving that Bautista deposited the said amount in the bank.
Lopez was said to be one of the financiers of the foiled coup for giving donations to the Magdalo through his foundation.
CIDG chief Director Jesus Verzosa said the authorities will still have to review the documents.
“We have conducted investigation before of the Saludo sa Kawal Foundation on suspicion of alleged channeling of funds from the foundation towards the Magdalo officers and rightists elements," Versoza said.
Versoza also said Estrada children Jacqueline and Jude, lawyer Edward Serapio, and businessman Jaime Dichavez will be invited for further questioning. All are incorporators of the foundation.
As for Pulido, Versoza said the Magdalo lawyer should explain allegations by Army 1Lt. Lawrence San Juan that he acted as one of the group’s propagandists by preparing press releases and arranging media interviews. - GMANews.TV
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