Late yesterday, however, Lee was released from CIDG detention after the Department of Justice (DoJ) approved Lee’s posting of P360,000 as bail bond for three counts of technical smuggling.

The order was issued by Manila Regional Trial Court judge Antonio Eugenio.

Earlier, Mrs. Arroyo directed Verzosa to pursue without letup the ongoing investigation into the alleged illegal business activities of Lee, particularly on his alleged smuggling operations, money laundering and the continued dropping of the name of First Gentleman Mike Arroyo in connection with smuggling activities.

CIDG investigators also unearthed at least 16 alleged dummy firms alternately used as conduits in Lee’s operations.

The President likewise directed Versoza to continue his investigation on the possible involvement of Bureau of Customs officials and personnel and other government employees who were allegedly involved in a grand conspiracy to engage in smuggling operations within the Customs’ premises.

The expected temporary release of Lee from CIDG detention was stalled yesterday after CIDG chief of Criminal Investigation and Detection Division Supt. Benjamin de los Santos objected to the bail recommendation made by Quezon City Assistant Prosecutor Maria Gracia Cadiz-Casaclang.

Lee was able to obtain a court release order signed by Quezon City RTC Executive Judge Natividad Giron Dizon after Lee posted a cash bond of P16,000 for the attempted bribery case.

CIDG Insp. Pedro Velasco, the CIDG team leader who arrested Lee, earlier said the suspect tried to bribe him by offering him P300,000 in cash for his liberty.

The duty inquest prosecutor, Maria Gracia Cadiz Casaclang, initially ruled that there was no valid arrest done by the CIDG.

De los Santos, a lawyer, countered that the case for bribery against Lee is independent of the smuggling case for which the respondent was arrested.