Prosecutor dismisses case vs Meridien

By May 8, 2017Headlines, News

NO ILLEGAL GAMBLING OPERATION?

SAN CARLOS CITY—The prosecutor here dismissed the complaint filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against 57 persons they arrested for alleged illegal jai-alai operation in Urbiztondo town this province.

In a four-page resolution dated May 4, signed by Inquest Prosecutor Gil Rosario, by authority of the Provincial Prosecutor, it also directed the chief of NBI Dagupan City, Pangasinan, lawyer Dante Bonoan, and/or his duly authorized representative, to cause the release of the 57 respondents immediately after receipt of the resolution unless there are other legal grounds for their further detention. The NBI charged them for violation of Republic Act 9287 or Illegal Gambling.

The respondents were apprehended on May 3 in Rizal St, Poblacion, Urbiztondo on a strength of search warrant issued by Executive Judge Jaime Dojillo of the Regional Trial Court in San Carlos City, Pangasinan.

Confiscated at the crime scene were one sack used paper pads with markings “jai-alai” with numbers of bets written on them, undetermined cash of paper bills and coins, assorted paper pads, ball pens, paper list, among others.

“The complainant (NBI) relied upon the request of the chairman of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office pursuant to Executive Order No. 13 issued by President Duterte in the application of said search warrant directing the “NBI and the PNP to coordinate and promptly act on the request of regulatory authorities to investigate and put a stop to illegal gambling activities in their respective jurisdictions”, the resolution said.

Lawyer Liwawa Siapno appeared during the conduct of inquest proceeding as counsel of Meridien Vista Gaming Corporation (MVGC).

Siapno presented documents to prove that MVGC is duly authorized and licensed to operate the activity which was raided by NBI elements, like Court of Appeals resolution entitled Meridien Vista Gaming Corporation versus Hon. Leila de Lima, et. al, Articles of Incorporation of MVGC, certificate of CEZA authorizing MVGC to operate, Certificate of Registration issued by Securities and Exchange Commission , Mayor’s Permit in Urbiztondo, Pangasinan and Certificates of Employment of the respondents.

“Perusal of the resolution issued by the Court of Appeals in the case of Meridien Vista Gaming Corporation versus Hon. Leila de Lima, et al. docketed as C.A.-G.R. No. Sp. No. 120236, shows  that a writ of preliminary injunction was issued enjoining the Secretary of Justice (DOJ) and the Secretary of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and their agents and/or representatives from implementing the Joint DOJ-DILG Memorandum to all public prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and local government executives dated June 27, 2011,”  the resolution stated.

“Hence, the search and seizure conducted by the elements of the complainant is in contravention with the writ of preliminary injunction. Further, the MVGC is duly permitted to operate in the Municipality of Urbiztondo, Pangasinan based on the documents above-enumerated,” it added.

“For lack of probable cause, the above-titled case is hereby dismissed,” it said. (Tita Roces)

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments