DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation – Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD) arrested Mariejoy P. Lagman, a court officer of RTC Branch 108 of Pasay City, in an entrapment operation in Pasay City.
Lagman faces charges of Direct Bribery under Article 210 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), Knowingly Rendering Unjust Judgment under Article 204 of the RPC, and multiple violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (R.A. No. 3019), P.D. No. 46, the Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (R.A. No. 6713), and the Code of Judicial Conduct and the Code of Conduct for Court Personnel.
The operation was initiated following a request from the Supreme Court, which sought the NBI’s immediate action regarding allegations that RTC Branch 108 of Pasay City was extorting money from parties involved in a case being litigated in the said branch.
NBI-CCD operatives established communication with one of the defendants in the case, revealing that the court was indeed extorting money in exchange for a favorable decision.
On May 23, 2024, NBI-CCD operatives, together with the defendant’s liaison officer, proceeded to the staff office of RTC Branch 108 in the Pasay City Justice Hall to deliver the demanded amount of Php 6,000,000.00.
Upon handing over the marked money, Lagman provided a court order dismissing the case in favor of the defendant. At this moment, NBI-CCD operatives immediately entered the court staff room and arrested Lagman.