Philippine Congressman Mark Jimenez, wanted by U.S., flies out of PI to stand trial in Florida

Congressman Mark Jimenez departed the country on board a commercial carrier bound for the United States late Thursday, ending his three-year legal fight to avoid extradition.

The multi-millionaire representative of one of Manila's congressional districts was the first to board the Continental Air Micronesia flight, escorted by three US federal agents and a Philippine justice department investigator. ... Jimenez faces at least five years in prison if convicted of any of the charges of fraud or tax evasion filed against him by the US justice department in a Miami court. ... He is also accused of conspiracy, making false statements, and making illegal campaign contributions (to the Clinton-Gore campaign and to the Democratic Party)...

Mario Crespo, who "officially" goes around town under the assumed name of Mark Jimenez...

businessman Mark Jimenez, now the proud owner of Imelda Marco's former home...

US to foot the bill for Jimenez’s flight to Florida today
12/26/2002 8:57:00 AM
Source : The Manila Times

The United States government is paying for all expenses related to Manila Rep. Mark Jimenez’s departure today.

Everything is set for Jimenez’s flight — whether by PAL or Northwest the authorities refuse to divulge up to press time — including his passport with a valid US visa, the plane tickets and his personal belongings.

Acting Justice Secretary Merceditas Gutierrez explained why the US government is footing the bill for Jimenez’s trip by pointing to Section 18 of Presidential Decree 1069 or the Extradition Law, which states that “all costs or expenses incurred in any extradition proceeding and in apprehending, securing and transmitting an accused shall be paid by the requesting state or government.”

Jimenez is being extradited so he can appear before the US District Court of South Florida where he is charged with two counts of conspiracy to defraud the US government, four counts of tax evasion worth $3.5 million (P175 million), two counts of wire fraud, six counts of false statements and 33 counts of illegal campaign contribution to the Democratic Party.

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