THE exoneration of government officials implicated in the wiretapping controversy that started in June last year and almost toppled the Arroyo government is now complete with former elections commissioner Virgilio Garcillano cleared of charges that he falsified his passport and lied before a congressional inquiry in order to avoid criminal culpability.
In a 12-page joint resolution, the Department of Justice (DOJ) ruled that there is no probable cause to prosecute Garcillano for perjury, violation of Passport Act of 1996, and falsification of public document. The charges against Garcillano stemmed from two cases — one complaint filed on March 24, 2006 by Senator Panfilo Lacson and three representatives, and another filed on April 4, 2006 by 16 opposition congressmen led by Cavite Rep. Gilbert Remulla.
The dismissal of charges against Garcillano caps the series of investigations on officials named in the “Hello, Garci” tapes, all of whom were likewise absolved.
Now that's just sweet, isn't it?
Time the release of the news of GARCI’s exoneration when nobody’s paying attention to the news this holiday season. Brilliant.
Christmas gift yan ng arroyo admin kay garci, sa sarili nila (and I guess sa ating lahat na rin)
"It's the most wonderful time of the year..."
UPDATE: Ah, the Garci was cleared as early as Nov. 14, 2006, pero nung December 24 lang nila ni-release ang balita. Timing is everything talaga.
The 12-page DOJ resolution was issued as early as Nov. 14 by State Prosecutor George Yarte and approved by Chief State Prosecutor Jovencito Zuño upon the recommendation of Assistant Chief Prosecutor Richard Fadullon.
But a copy of the decision was obtained by the media only the other day, faxed by Garcillano’s lawyer Eddie Tamondong.
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