U.S. lawyers try to solve RP's case

U.S. lawyers try to solve RP's case

MANILA (AP): American lawyers for a Filipino congressman wanted for allegedly making illegal campaign contributions in the United States are negotiating a plea bargain agreement, his Filipino attorney said on Tuesday.

The United States has been seeking the extradition of Mark Jimenez, a businessman who was close to ousted President Joseph Estrada.

Jimenez won a seat in the House of Representatives in May congressional elections, running as an independent under his former name, Mario Crespo. He represents one of Manila's six districts.

Jimenez, who ran a computer parts distribution business in the United States, was indicted in 1997 in Washington on 17 counts of illegally giving nearly $40,000 to Democratic Party candidates. An additional indictment charged him with conspiracy, tax evasion and mail fraud.

Jimenez fled the United States and returned to the Philippines.