Leonen can expedite Ampatuan case - Palace
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda (FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang expressed hope in newly-appointed Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen to hasten the judicial process involving the trial case of the Ampatuan clan, believed to be behind the massacre of 58 people including journalists in Maguindanao in 2009.
In response to the appeal of a human rights group to President Benigno Aquino III to fulfill his vow to seek justice for the victims, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a briefing on Thursday that Leonen can introduce reforms that may expedite the trial proceedings.
"Hopefully with the appointment of Associate Justice Marvic Leonen in the Supreme Court, they can find a way to answer the plea of the massacre victims," Lacierda said.
As the former dean of the University of the Philippines College of Law and a member of the Philippine Judicial Academy, Leonen has identified ways to accelarate criminal procedures such as the Ampatuan trial, Lacierda said.
"He is also one of the leading lights in terms of expediting court cases," the spokesperson added.
Asked about Aquino's accomplishment in resolving the criminal case against the suspects, Lacierda answered that Aquino had met with the families of the victims at the onset of his presidency and has pleaded to the judiciary to give priority to the case without sacrificing due process.
Lacierda added that some security concerns had also been resolved by the government, such as in the protection of witnesses.
"As long as the case has not yet been decided, there will always be concerns and we share the same concerns as with the massacre victims," he said.
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