Pagadian mayor asks CA to junk estafa raps

CEBU CITY, Philippines – Pagadian mayor Samuel Co asked the Court of Appeals to junk the syndicated estafa case filed against him in relation to his alleged role in the P12 billion pyramid scam that duped 15,000 people in Visayas and Mindanao.

He also asked the appellate court in Cagayan de Oro on April 26 to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the RTC Branch 1 of Lanao del Norte, which earlier issued an arrest order against him.

Justice Secrertary Leila de Lima said that based on documentary evidence, Co played a role in the P12-billion pyramid scam. One of the alleged finance managers of Aman Futures group – Maria Dona Coyme – said Co and wife Priscilla Ann Fernandez-Co had sought investors for the group.

One of his lawyers, Trixie Angeles said the the Department of Justice committed grave abuse of discretion because  it allegedly relied on mere “hearsay evidence” to show probable cause. 

Co’s other counsel, Angel Gatmaitan, said that it is the Office of the Ombudsman which has jurisdiction over the case and not the trial court since their client is a public official with Salary Grade 30.

She added that the case was “railroaded” because of the upcoming elections on May 13.  Co is vying for a congressional seat for the first district under the LP-NP Coalition in Zamboanga del Sur.

Co’s lawyers said he wants to prevent the court from proceeding with the case against him so he can campaign publicly. They also denied that he has gone into hiding after a warrant of arrest has been issued against him on April 11.- Rappler.com