Sandiganbayan questions unserved arrest warrant on ex-Rizal mayor Cuerpo

The Sandiganbayan has called the attention of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) following an unserved arrest warrant issued against former Rodriguez, Rizal mayor Pedro Cuerpo.

In a two-page resolution promulgated on October 27, the anti-graft court's Second Division directed NBI Director Dante Gierran to execute the warrant on Cuerpo, who is facing a six-month jail term.

“The court hereby directs Atty. Dante A. Gierran, Director of the NBI, to cause the execution of the warrant of arrest dated April 27, 2017, and to submit a report thereon to the court within 20 days from receipt of a copy of this resolution,” the Sandiganbayan said.

Sought for comment, NBI spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin said he will check the status of the implementation of the arrest warrant.

Lavin is currently in Taiwan for an international symposium.

In 2012, the Sandiganbayan sentenced Cuerpo to a maximum imprisonment of six months for his failure to comply to a court order directing him to assist the building permit application of the Samahang Magkakapitbisig (Samahan).

The Sandiganbayan then said Cuerpo “truly disdained having the members of the Samahan settle at the municipality of Rodriguez because he regarded them as squatters or informal settlers, and he never hid his sentiment that he did not want squatters in his (town).”

Cuerpo, with his co-accused then-municipal engineer Fernando Roño, were found guilty of violation of Article 213 of the Revised Penal Code.

The former local chief executive was also temporarily disqualified to hold public office for 10 years, eight months, and one day, and pay a fine of P1,000.

The decision became final and executory on January 9, 2017.

The Sandiganbayan, however, said the NBI has yet to submit a report in compliance with Cuerpo's warrant despite receiving a copy four months later, or on May 15.

“To date, the NBI has not made any return nor submitted any report regarding the execution of the warrant,” the resolution read.

Second Division chairperson Associate Justice Oscar Herrera Jr. penned the resolution, with the concurrence of Associate Justices Michael Frederick Musngi and Lorifel Pahimna. — with Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News