Mariano Tanenglian, the wealthy Filipino-Chinese accused of physical abuse by two of his former housemaids, filed a manifestation before the Sandiganbayan urging it address his offer to become a government witness in the ill-gotten wealth case involving his estranged brother, tycoon Lucio Tan in exchange of immunity from civil and criminal liability.
In an eight-page manifestation submitted before the anti-graft court’s 5th division, Tanenglian underscored the need for the speedy disposition of his “offer for cooperation” in as much as the government through the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) and Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) had been directed by the court to wrap up its presentation of evidence.
Tanenglian asked for immunity because of the possibility that by cooperating with the government, he might incriminate himself in the process. In addition, his manifestation of readiness and willingness to cooperate with the Republic is subject only to the grant of corresponding immunity, Tanenglian disclosed.
Last Aug, 24, Tanenglian sent a letter to the PCGG and reminded it of the meeting last July 13, which was also attended by OSG lawyers. During the meeting, the counsel of Tanenglian manifested his client’s interest to cooperate in exchange for civil and criminal immunity.
In consideration of the grant of such immunity, Tanenglian will be providing information relevant to the case make admissions in the appropriate pleading or submission of the existence, authenticity, and/or due execution of certain documents or exhibits presented and offered by the government, and make himself available as government witness.
The assets questioned include 60 percent of Tan’s nine companies, which the PCGG wants forfeited in favor of the state. These are Fortune Tobacco Corp., Asia Brewery Inc., Allied Banking Corp., Foremost Farms, Himmel Industries Inc., Grandspan Development Corp., Silangan Holdings Inc., Dominium Realty and Construction Corp. and Shareholdings Inc.
The PCGG believes that these assets were part of former President Marcos’ ill-gotten wealth.
Source:
Lawas, Hector, People's Journal (Vol. XXXI No.248 p.5) Published September 16, 2009. Retrieved from
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2009-09-16&sec=4&aid=103058
