RP senator testifies for Sablan in bribery case

Philippine movie actor-turned-politician Ramon Revilla yesterday came to rescue his friend, embattled Commonwealth Utilities Corp. Board Member Benjamin Sablan, by attesting to his “good” character in a testimony before the U.S. District Court.

Defense witness Sen. Revilla described Mr. Sablan as a man of character who possess the qualities of integrity and honesty. In fact, Mr. Revilla’s daughter, Rowena, even asked Mr. Sablan to be the godfather of her child.

Mr. Sablan is facing bribery charges before the federal court for allegedly demanding $200 each from manpower company EPC Recruiting Service in connection with the hiring of 12 Filipino contract workers for the utilities firm. Based on the complaint, Mr. Sablan demanded money from Ms. Elizabeth Castaneda, owner of EPC Recruiting
Service, as a reward for a business transaction.

“He is a very honest man,” Mr. Revilla said. He was supposed to attend the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing investigating a $125-million land scam in the Philippines but decided to excuse himself to be with a friend who was in need.

The former movie actor, who did numerous fantasy and action films before he ran for public office, was not alone in his character assessment of Mr. Sablan.

As far as Commonwealth Development Authority Board Chair Juan S. Tenorio is concerned, Mr. Sablan is a man who is always ready to help the community and protect the utilities firm. Mr. Tenorio has been a business partner of Mr. Sablan for about 15 years now.

Likewise, former CUC Board Chair Carlos Shoda told the court that he has known Mr. Sablan as “an honest and a straight forward man.” As far as he knows, the board did not discuss any dealings at all with EPC Recruiting Services.

Prosecution witness Mildred Acosta, former administrative staff of EPC, testified that she prepared the check amounting to $1,000 for Mr. Sablan in December 1996 as payment for his commission. The second check for Mr. Sablan amounting to $1,400 was prepared by Minella Castro, who worked as an office clerk for EPC in January 1997.

Earlier, Ms. Castaneda, a former associate of Mr. Sablan, testified that she gave the payments to the CUC official as a fulfillment of an obligation and a part of a business transaction.

The defense will present its last witness today.