NBI man who testified for Estrada sacked

That's what you get for telling the truth, sir. Just like Acsa Ramirez. Ang mga truth-tellers at whistleblowers, napaparusahan. Ang mga tunay na kriminal, nakakalusot.

For committing the cardinal “crime” of testifying truthfully, which cleared detained President Joseph Estrada on charges of having diverted some P170 million in tobacco excise tax funds, National Bureau of Investigation regional chief Carlos Saunar, was yesterday relieved by NBI director Reynaldo Wycoco, reportedly on orders of Malacañang and the Ombudsman.

Saunar is now on floating status.

The sacked NBI regional chief testified before the Sandiganbayan as a witness called in by the defense lawyers of Estrada, who then said in open court that the investigation conducted by the NBI showed that it was Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson who had diverted the tobacco funds, not Estrada, as the paper trail showed that the money was withdrawn, deposited and withdrawn again by persons identified with Singson.

His testimony destroyed the case of the prosecution, as the case for the prosecution hinges on the testimony of Singson, its star witness.

The NBI yesterday ordered the relief of Saunar for his alleged violation of a bureau policy on confidentiality of investigation records and for testifying in favor of the detained leader.

Lead lawyer for the defense, former Sen. Rene Saguisag, slammed the NBI action, saying “it was not enough for the prosecution to harrass the witness. Now it has to even terrorize the defense witnesses.”

More from Malaya:

Carlos Saunar, a defense witness in the plunder trial of President Joseph Estrada, was relieved yesterday as head of the NBI Western Mindanao Regional Office allegedly for violating the agency's policy on "confidentiality and manifestation of partiality."

The relief was seen in NBI circles as "punishment" for his testimony which impugned the accusations of Ilocos Sur Governor Luis Singson that he withdrew P130 million of tobacco excise tax shares for delivery to Estrada.

This was one of the issues raised against Estrada, leading to his impeachment, and when the trial was aborted, his ouster at EDSA 2.

Defense lawyer Jose Flaminiano said the relief of Saunar is tantamount to obstruction of justice.

Flaminiano said Saunar is still on the witness stand undergoing cross-examination. After that, he faces re-direct examination.

With the NBI action, Saunar will be testifying under duress, Flaminiano said. This is tampering with the witness, he added.

He said the defense panel will file contempt charges against NBI Director Reynaldo Wycoco and special prosecutor Dennis Villa-Ignacio.

"Villa-Ignacio earlier said he would ask the NBI to sanction Saunar. Apparently he did and Wycoco went along with it," Flaminiano said.

Gago talaga itong si Wycoco. Ginago niya dati si Lacson. Now, he's making life miserable for this poor NBI witness.