Hearing cut short due to defective aircon

MANILA, Philippines - The Maguindanao massacre court hearing was cut short yesterday because of defective air-conditioning units in the makeshift courtroom in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.

The scheduled 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. trial was suspended by Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes at noon.

Both defense and prosecution lawyers agreed to conduct the trial in the judge’s sala at the Quezon City hall of justice today.

The issue was brought to Solis’ attention by defense lawyer Sigfrid Fortun, who asked for a sidebar while Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu was under direct examination.

“May I know what’s the sidebar for?” said private prosecutor Prima Quinsayas, who was handling the direct examination.

“Well, the heat is obvious,” said Fortun. “I’m wilting here.”

The audience in the gallery – who were all perspiring and using makeshift fans – let out a stifled laugh, as if relieved by Fortun’s manifestation.

Solis announced a five-minute recess.

When the trial resumed, Mangudadatu positively identified Chief Inspector Sukarno Dicay, one of the accused in the case, before the hearing officially adjourned. 

The hearing is usually held in Camp Bagong Diwa – where the accused are detained – during arraignment or when the prosecutors require the presence of the accused.