Prosecution wants P3.5M in damages

CEBU, Philippines - A damage settlement of about P3.5 million was proposed by the prosecution team yesterday against the camp of Bella Ruby Santos during the initial trial for the kidnapping with homicide case.

Santos and her British boyfriend Ian Charles Griffiths, who is still at large, were charged for kidnap-slay of six-year old girl, Ellah Joy Pique in 2011.

Prosecution lawyer Noemi Truya-Abarientos proposed P300,000 as actual damages; P700,000 as attorney’s fee and litigation expenses; P1 million expected income of the victim; P1 million as moral damages and P500,000 as exemplary damages.

Lawyer Rameses Villagonzalo of the defense said while they have no opposition to the amount it does not mean to say they have admitted liability.  He told the court that they have to be consistent with their claim that their clients are innocent.

“We stipulated on the amount but not on the liability,” he said.

Because of the stipulations, the prosecution dispensed the testimony of Renante Pique, the father of Ellah Joy for the civil aspect. With that, the prosecution will only present one last witness.

In an interview, Villagonzalo said they admitted the photographs of Ellah Joy as well as the damages because it was immaterial to the innocent of their clients.

He added after the prosecution will present their witnesses, the defense will study whether to present witnesses or file a demurer to evidence.

He said the evidence of the prosecution is weak.

Abarientos, however, said this was just the claim of the defense. She said they have strong evidence and reliable witnesses. 

Ellah Joy went missing in February 8, 2011 while she was on her way home from school.  She was found the following day at Barili town lifeless, suspected to be a victim of child traffickers.

Witnesses pointed Santos and Griffiths as those responsible for the crime.  (FREEMAN)