Extradition proceedings will go on for Philippines adviser

Jace Radke

Tuesday, July 15, 2003 | 8:52 a.m.

Extradition proceedings for a former Philippines presidential gambling adviser accused of plundering more than $2 million from the country's tax coffers will continue through the summer.

U.S. Magistrate Lawrence Leavitt set a briefing schedule for attorneys to present written arguments regarding whether Charlie "Atong" Ang will be extradited to the Philippines to face charges of plunder.

Ang, 44, was arrested in Las Vegas in November 2001, and is wanted by the Philippines government for his part in a scheme involving ousted President Joseph Estrada and the theft of about $2.5 million in public funds.

At a hearing Monday before Leavitt, Ang's attorney, William Genego, argued that Philippines officials have not shown enough evidence that Ang was a part of the scheme.

Jeffrey Cole, legal attache for the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, argued that the evidence is there, including allegations that three people with ties to Ang removed the money from the Land Bank of the Philippines.

A charge of plunder could carry a death penalty in the Philippines, but Cole said that Philippines authorities have promised to waive the death penalty if Ang is extradited.

Estrada, who was ousted as president in January 2001, is standing trial in Manila for political corruption and could face the death penalty.

Ang was freed from the North Las Vegas jail late last year on $300,000 bail.

Both sides are scheduled to have their arguments filed in six weeks, and then Leavitt will issue a written decision determining whether further hearings are needed or if Ang will be extradited.