Czech envoy needs OK from his gov’t before testifying vs Vitangcol

By: Matikas Santos - 11 years ago

FILE PHOTO DFA spokesman Charles Jose says Czech Ambassador Josef Rychtar needs to obtain the permission of his government before he can waive his diplomatic immunity or testify before any Congress inquiry. Photo by Matikas Santos/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines – Czech Ambassador to the Philippines Josef Rychtar needs permission from his government before he can waive his diplomatic immunity and appear in any inquiry of Congress to testify about the alleged extortion try of Metro Rail Transit (MRT) General Manager Al Vitangcol III with Czech train coach builder Inekon Group.

“Before a diplomat could waive his immunity, he must first obtain the approval of his government for him to do so. He cannot do it just by himself,” Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesman Charles Jose said in a text message Friday.

“He will also need his government’s approval for him to appear at [the Senate or House of Representatives] inquiry,” he said.

Rychtar has accused Vitangcol of trying to extort $30 million from Inekon last July 2012 through Wilson de Vera, a losing mayoral candidate and member of the Liberal Party, the political party of President Benigno Aquino III.

According to Rychtar, the contract to provide the MRT with 48 train coaches will be awarded to Inekon on the condition that they pay the said amount.

Senator Francis Escudero had urged Rychtar to file criminal charges while Vitangcol challenged him to waive his diplomatic immunity which prevents all lawsuits from being filed against diplomats.

Rychtar had said that he has “no problem” in waiving his diplomatic immunity and that he was “not afraid” of Vitangcol.

The National Bureau of Investigation has been tasked by Malacañang to investigate the matter and both Rychtar and Inekon CEO and chair Josef Husek have submitted their sworn statements.

The House of Representatives committee on good government is likewise conducting an inquiry.