NEWSFLASH

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ALMA PLEADING GUILTY AT TODAY'S ARRAIGNMENT

Manila, Aug. 11, 1998 - Actress Alma Concepcion is likely to plead guilty during her arraignment today, as part of the plea-bargaining agreement between her lawyers and the prosecutors, says Senator Ramon Revilla, who has met with Alma's lawyer Patrick Civille.

Revilla's office released a press statement containing details the senator's visit to Alma at the detention center and of his meeting with the American lawyer.

The statement said Alma's lawyer was optimistic that the judge would "favorable consider the arguments for Alma's defense," with the possibility that the $50,000 bond would be reduced.

"Understandably, the lawyer would not comment on reports that plea-bargaining arrangements are under way," Revilla said. The senator noted that such arrangements are best kept under wraps because they could antagonize Guam authorities and preempt today's arraignment proceedings.

Concepcion has been under detention since July 29, when she was arrested at the airport in possession of .8 grams of methamphetamine, known in the US as "ice" and to Filipinos as "shabu."

Legal experts in Guam told Revilla that Concepcion could simply plead guilty and choose between voluntary rehabilitation, which could take several months plus a stiff fine, or she could opt for deportation on condition that she would be banned from entering the US for at least five years.

Senator Revilla revealed that Alma's lawyer is optimistic the judge may scrap the $50,000 bail bond altogether if the Philippine consulate in Guam guarantees that the former beauty queen will stay in Guam for the duration of her trial.

Revilla also noted the concern and care Alma receives from the consulate and from the Filipino community in Guam.