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Legacy owner offers DOJ compromise deal


MANILA, Philippines – Celso de los Angeles Jr., the embattled owner of the troubled Legacy Group, has expressed his willingness to plead guilty to the string of charges filed against him but with a condition, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez said Thursday. Gonzalez said an emissary of De los Angeles, whom he did not identify, had personally informed him of this. In exchange for his guilty plea, De los Angeles wanted the charges of syndicated estafa against other personalities embroiled in the Legacy controversy dropped. “The emissary said De los Angeles is willing to plead guilty to all the charges pero siya na lang, huwag na isama ‘yung iba [provided that only he would be liable to the offenses]," Gonzalez said. Syndicated estafa, a capital offense, involves intent to defraud someone from the very beginning. Bail could not be granted if the court finds that the evidence of guilt against the accused is strong. The Justice Department is investigating the wave of charges against Delos Angeles, other Legacy officials, and even the De los Angeles’ estranged wife, Ma. Concepcion Panlilio-De los Angeles, and son, Martin Nicolo. Gonzalez said he is not keen on accepting De los Angeles’ offer since it would lead to a lesser offense. “Lahat ‘yan magiging bailable ‘pag walang syndicated [The charges may become bailable if syndication is not involved]," he said. The Legacy Group’s shuttered pre-need firms have P1.1 billion worth of unpaid obligations to about 50,000 plan holders. The condition being set by De los Angeles also did not sit well with the Parents Enabling Parents (PEP) Coalition, an organization of plan-holders of failed pre-need firms. Philip Piccio, the group’s head, said De los Angeles and his cohorts should own up to their supposed anomalies. “Sana wag nating hayaan na maging bayani pa siya sa pag-ako niya ng mga kasalanan niya sa taumbayan [Let’s not allow him play the hero. He and his cohorts should all face the charges against them]," Piccio said. - with Carlo Lorenzo, GMANews.TV
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