Maguindanao trial will not be derailed by defense lawyers

MANILA, Philippines - The government will not allow the defense counsels in the Maguindanao massacre to derail the hearings and deny justice to the victims, Malacañang said yesterday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said over radio dzRB that President Aquino’s commitment is to give justice to the victims and their families and the Department of Justice (DOJ) is making sure that things are getting done in a timely manner.

Since many are concerned about the recent withdrawal of the lawyers of the accused, Valte noted that under the normal procedure the accused will be given time to avail of the service of a counsel of his choice. But “once it has taken too long or gets delayed, the judge is in a position to say, ‘you’ve been given enough time; you will be represented by a public attorney’.”

“The DOJ panel of prosecutors, despite the issues that have confronted them, will be on guard to fight against any dilatory tactics or attempts to delay further,” she added.

In separate manifestations to the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221, members of the defense team led by Sigfrid Fortun withdrew as lawyers for the principal suspects Andal Ampatuan Sr., his son Andal Jr. and 22 other accused.

Lawyer Andres Manuel also filed a withdrawal of appearance for his 13 clients. They are Moktar Daud, Mohades Ampatuan, Misuari Ampatuan, Macton Bilungan, Tato Sampogao, Taya Bangkulat, Salik Bangkulat, Ibrahim Kamal Tatak, Norman Tatak, Not Abdul, Abedin Alamada, Morales Sisay Amilol and Talembo Kahar Abdulrahman.

The Real Brotarlo & Real Law Firm filed another withdrawal of appearance for accused Sajid Islam Ampatuan, Anwar Ampatuan Sr., Akmad “Tato” Ampatuan, Anwar “Datu Ipi” Ampatuan, Sajid Anwar “Datu Ulo” Ampatuan, Nasser Esmail, Nicomedes Amad Tolentino, Bulatukan Omar Kayansang, Datutulon Malaguial Esmael and Datukan Malang Salibo.

Private prosecutor Nena Santos and prosecution witness Lakmudin Saliao claimed that the government panel of prosecutors led by DOJ Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III received a P50-million bribe from the Ampatuans.

Santos, who represents Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, also claimed to have been offered bribe money by the camp of the accused but rejected it and the money instead went to the public prosecutors.

Saliao said it was through Fortun that the bribe for Baraan and the panel of prosecutors was facilitated.

On Friday, Valte dared Santos to file charges before the Office of the Ombudsman to prove her allegations, saying that Santos must be able to come up with “hard evidence.”