Joavan Fernandez pleads not guilty to murder case

The adopted son of Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez yesterday entered a plea of not guilty to the murder case filed against him before the court.

After the arraignment of Joavan Fernandez, Regional Trial Court Judge Stella Alma Singco scheduled the pre-trial hearing of the case for November 16.

Despite criticism, Fernandez was seen with his son together with their lawyers, former prosecutor Celso Espinosa and George Bragat.

Although Fernandez refused to comment on the case, Bragat said it is normal for a father to escort his son who is facing a case in court "as the latter is still presumed to be innocent until proven guilty."

Joavan was implicated in the killing of jeepney driver Panfilo Baringue and injuring conductor Timoteo Aleo last August. Aleo, who was supposed to be a prosecution witness, later executed an affidavit of desistance in the frustrated murder case that he filed against Joavan.

While Joavan has the support of his father, the Baringue family gets the backing of the Crusade Against Violence, whose members attended the arraignment yesterday.

But Alma Baringue, the wife of the victim, feared that Fernandez's presence might influence the court to eventually clear Joavan, the same views being raised by her daughter Mary Jane, who said "akong hangyo nila nga wala untay gamitay sa gahum para fair tanan."

However, the Barinques are not bothered by Aleo's recantation, saying they still have two witnesses who can pinpoint Joavan as the culprit.

But Bragat downplayed the apprehensions by the Barinques that Fernandez might influence the proceedings of the court.

"I believe both sides are not seeking justices here ug I don't think Mayor Fernandez will try to influence para lang ma-clear ang iyang anak. It's normal for the mayor kay amahan g'yud siya ug ang iyang anak napriso," Bragat said.

The other day, Joavan pleaded not guilty to the frustrated murder case now pending before RTC Judge Gilbert Moises. - Ramil V. Ayuman/LPM