Philippines: Ex-DFA chief Yasay arrested for crimes 'committed by others'

The former chief of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Republic of the Philippines, Perfecto Yasay was arrested from his house on Thursday, Yasay announced on a Facebook post. Yasay said that he has been arrested for criminal charges that were not even committed by him but by others.

A few hours after the arrest, he was rushed to Manila Doctors Hospital due to a complaint of chest pains.

According to local media reports, Police said that Yasay, along with 5 "associates" were accused of "conspiring and aiding each other" in securing a P350-million loan from the Banco Filipino Savings and Mortgage Bank while they were officers from 2001 to 2009.

He is reportedly accused of violating Republic Acts 8791 and 7653 or the General Banking Law and the New Central Bank Act, for his involvement in an anomalous loan from Banco Filipino Savings and Mortgages Bank.

On the other hand, Yasay said he did not commit these crimes as he joined the Bank only in 2009.

"Allow me to inform you that I am now being arrested from my house by police officers of Manila on the basis of a warrant of arrest issued by the RTC of Manila Branch 10 for criminal charges that were allegedly committed by officials of Banco Filipino from 2003 to 2006, clearly appearing on the face of the Information filed by the prosecutor, when in truth and in fact I joined the Bank only in 2009," Yasay said in a statement.

Perfecto Yasay further said, "I am not posting bail until I am brought before the judge where I will question this abuse of process and travesty of justice."

According to local media reports, Yasay was ordered arrested on March 8 by Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 8 for "several violations" of the New Central Bank Act.