The driver of the dump truck that rammed the Toyota Grandia van carrying former senator Rene Saguisag and his wife Dulce was released from detention on Monday after posting bail of P51,000.
Manuel Geronimo, 42, was released barely a week after the accident that killed Saguisag’s wife Dulce and seriously injured the former senator and the van’s driver Philip Calvario. Another passenger of the van, dance instructor Rhea Imelda Obong, was also hurt in the crash but has since been released from the hospital.
Geronimo is scheduled for arraignment before the sala of Makati City metropolitan trial court Judge Josefino Subia on Dec. 10 on charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, multiple serious physical injuries, and damage to property.
A witness said the speeding dump truck was trying to beat the red light when it hit Saguisag’s van. But Geronimo claimed he had the right of way.
Geronimo earlier said he would ask the Saguisag family’s forgiveness. Any plea bargain deal, however, would have to take place only after an arraignment, based on court rules. The Saguisags have yet to comment on Geronimo’s appeal for compassion.
Geronimo was arrested shortly after the accident and held at the Makati City Police detention facility.
Meanwhile, Saguisag’s condition is steadily improving and he may be able to breathe without the aid of a respirator soon, according to a medical bulletin of the Makati Medical Center. The same medical advisory also reported the steady recovery of Calvario.
“Both continue to tolerate the process of weaning from the respirator quite well since yesterday (Monday),” a medical bulletin released at 10 a.m. by Dr. Eric Nubla said.
Doctors said Saguisag, although still suffering from chest pains, could already communicate through writing.
“If they continue in this way, there is a very big possibility that both will be extubated within today (yesterday),” the medical bulletin said.
But doctors were unsure if Saguisag would be strong enough to attend the burial on Friday of his wife Dulce, whose remains lie in state at the St. Scholastica’s College chapel in Malate, Manila.
Meanwhile, Saguisag’s eldest son Rebo said he and his fiancée might proceed with their scheduled wedding next month but only in civil rites.