Bedol seeks Dec. 6 hearing for new witness

MANILA, Philippines - The lawyer of former Maguindanao election officer Lintang Bedol has asked the Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) to set a hearing on Dec. 6 for the presentation of new witnesses on alleged cheating during the 2007 senatorial election.

Felda Domingo, RTC spokesperson, said Reynaldo Princesa made the motion at the conclusion of the pre-trial of the electoral sabotage case filed against former President now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recently.

Bedol and former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. are co-respondents in the case.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) earlier asked Pasay RTC Judge Jesus Mupas to postpone the hearing of the case in view of the elections in May next year.

The Comelec said the hearing should be suspended for two months before the elections.

Arroyo’s lawyers, however, opposed the motion, saying the election period is not a valid ground to suspend the hearings.

They also invoked Arroyo’s constitutional right to a speedy trial.