GARCIA HAS NO PLANS TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY
MANILA, DECEMBER 31, 2010 (STAR) By Michael Punongbayan - Former military comptroller Carlos Garcia has no plans of leaving the country.
A reliable source told The STAR that Garcia is expected to present himself for sentencing before the Sandiganbayan next week.
"He's here," the source said.
The source said some people are trying to insinuate that Garcia might try to flee the country to escape sentencing on the lesser offenses of direct bribery and facilitating money laundering, on which he pleaded guilty pursuant to a plea bargaining agreement.
The Sandiganbayan and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have issued two separate hold departure orders against Garcia.
He is facing tax evasion charges before the DOJ.
By pleading guilty to lesser offenses, Garcia has secured his virtual release for time served, or at the least, probation.
If he tries to flee, a warrant of arrest would be issued against him and his P60,000 bail would be forfeited.
Prior to his release on Dec. 18, Garcia had been detained at Camp Crame in Quezon City for more than six years.
Since direct bribery is punishable by six years imprisonment, the Sandiganbayan might declare his sentence as served.
As for the money laundering charges, Garcia is expected to apply for probation which, if approved, would also mean no more jail time for him.
STAR sources said the promulgation of judgment is finally expected to push through next week after being delayed twice.
Under the plea bargaining agreement, Garcia pleaded guilty to lesser crimes and would be imposed other accessory penalties, including possible perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
Garcia also agreed to surrender over P135.4 million of his family's real and personal properties, including multi-million peso bank accounts here and abroad.
Prosecutors told The STAR that Garcia will be the first person to ever be convicted of money laundering by the Sandiganbayan.
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