CHR: Fariñas may be liable for wife’s death

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) revealed yesterday that former Ilocos Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas could be held accountable for the death of his wife, Ma. Teresa Carlson, who leapt from the 23rd floor of a condominium in San Juan last Friday.

Meanwhile, Supt. Rodrigo de Gracia, San Juan police chief, said that the medico-legal report of the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) signed by Supt. Theresa Freyra showed that Carlson, 38, had an overdose of tranquilizers.

Some anti-manic pills were also recovered by SOCO from the condominium unit of Carlson, a retired actress, which according to her househelp Rochille Flores, 27, were taken by Carlson as "vitamins."

CHR chairperson Aurora Navarette-Reciña said Fariñas should be held liable for the death of his wife since it was common knowledge that Carlson was a battered wife.

She recalled that three years ago, the CHR had been investigating the case of the former actress and beauty queen after Carlson had asked for their help.

However, the commission had a hard time with Carlson, as she would only retract her earlier statements.

"There was no cooperation on her part, she would say these, then the following day she would retract," Reciña said in a weekly forum held at Sitio (formerly Ciudad) Fernandina.

Reciña added that even investigators experienced difficulty pursuing the case since they could not find any hospital records indicating that she had indeed been maltreated by her husband.

These are just some of the reasons that could prove stumbling blocks in pursuing the case, Reciña said, aside from the fact that Fariñas is a "powerful politician."

"Somebody has to bring it out (evidence). It would be a big help to give her the justice that she needs," the CHR official said.

The Coalition of Women, comprised of several concerned women’s groups, pushed for justice for Carlson. As authorities have yet to declare the case closed, the group said they are trying to explore legal possibilities by preparing a pool of lawyers.

They even urged President Arroyo to closely examine the death of Carlson and called on Congress to pass a bill that would consider wife beating a public crime.

On the other hand, De Gracia appealed to the anonymous caller who rang up police hotline 117 to come out and help the investigation if he really had knowledge of the apparent suicide at the Platinum 2000 building.