Embattled senator asks judge to dismiss embezzlement charges

Santo Domingo.- Lawyers of embattled senator Felix Bautista on Thursday asked special instruction judge Alejandro Moscoso to rule against prosecution, claiming that Congress didn’t authorize the investigation because of his parliamentary immunity.

Moscoso retired to chambers to deliberate after calling for a recess until 5pm to rule on the request.

The defense reiterated that the prosecution doesn’t have Congress’ permission to investigate the legislator and the court should nullity the proceedings.

The prosecution rebutted the motion, noting that Congressional permission it isn’t requited and that conclusions have been made on the charges which have yet to be submitted.

Bautista has been charged with embezzling millions of dollars while head of the powerful State Works Supervisory Engineers Office (OISOE) during the Administration of former president Leonel Fernandez.