The Department of Justice has filed charges against a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) lawyer and his brother who works as a Bureau of Immigration officer for allegedly asking P200,000 from another BI officer who was tagged in the “pastillas” scheme.
(JANSEN ROMERO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon confirmed Monday that charges have been filed against NBI legal section chief Joshua Paul Capiral and his brother, BI officer Christopher John Capiral.
Fadullon said the charges were filed last Friday before the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC).
The two brothers were charged for robbery/extortion in violation of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) and Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
The DOJ recommended that each of the brothers post a P100,000 bail for the robbery/extortion charge and a P90,000 bail for graft.
Joshua was also charged for violation of Section 7(b)(2) of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of Public Officials and Employees.
The DOJ recommended that Joshua post a P30,000 bail for violating RA 6713.
The brothers were arrested last Sept. 21 during an entrapment operation conducted by agents of the NBI Special Action Unit (NBI-SAU) and were presented for inquest before the DoJ on Sept. 23.
The NBI operation was conducted based on the complaint of BI officer Jeffrey Dale Salamde Ignacio who said the brothers asked him P200,000 so that he could be cleared from charges in connection with the pastillas scheme.
Among the charges recommended by the NBI, the DoJ resolution dismissed the violation of Executive Order No. 608 Establishing a National Security Clearance System for Government Personnel with Access to Classified Matters and for other Purposes.
On the other hand, the DoJ resolution recommended for the conduct of a preliminary investigation the violation of Section 5(h) and (k) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the violation of Section (c)(1) and (2) of RA 6713.
The DoJ resolution was signed by Prosecution Attorney Honey Rose Delgado and approved by Fadullon and Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento.
Ignacio and 18 other BI officers and personnel are facing a complaint filed by the NBI last Sept. 19 before the Office of the Ombudsman over their alleged involvement in the pastillas scheme.
“These IOs/IPs (immigration officers/immigration personnel) allow foreign nationals entry in the country despite the absence of the necessary documents as required by prevailing Immigration rules and regulations in exchange of so-called ‘pastillas money’,” the NBI said.