Vice President Jejomar Binay on Tuesday offered to extend legal assistance to former Senate President Jovito Salonga, following a Pasig court's order for his arrest for an estafa (swindling) case in 1997.
In an entry on his Twitter account, Binay said he was saddened by the issuance of the arrest warrant on Salonga, adding he was "deeply bothered" by the attempt of the police to serve the warrant on Monday.
"There should have been consideration given by the police not only to his advanced age and frail condition, but to his stature as one of the leading lights of the struggle for democracy and pillar of good governance," he said.
"My office will extend all legal assistance that may be needed by the good senator," he added.
On Monday, a Pasig court ordered the former Senate president's arrest but failed to take him into custody.
The warrant stemmed from a complaint by physician Restituto Buenviaje last Jan. 30, supposedly due to the “fraudulent” sale of a house in Tagaytay in 1997.
But police failed to arrest the 91-year-old Salonga, who said he is too ill.
Also ordered arrested were Salonga’s son Esteban, Pedro Bañez Jr., and Ferdinand Bañez.
The younger Salonga and Bañez Jr. already posted bail in relation to the case. Their arraignment is scheduled on May 15, earlier reports said. — RSJ
