Francis M: Let me prove my innocence

Master rapper and TV host Francis Magalona asked a Quezon City court to direct the prosecutor’s office to conduct a preliminary investigation which will allow him to present his side on the illegal drug charges filed against him.

Magalona, through his lawyer Nicasio Conti, said preliminary investigation on his arrest last May 29 is part of his right to due process.

"During preliminary investigation he can challenge the validity of his arrest," Conti said in Magalona’s motion filed before the sala of Quezon City Regional Trial Court Judge Diosdado Peralta of Branch 95.

Police arrested Magalona, 36, and his friend Alfredo delos Santos, 31, after a brief car chase along Sta. Cecilia St., near E. Rodriguez Avenue, Quezon City on May 29.

Prior to the arrest, policemen were conducting a routine patrol in the area when they spotted Magalona’s black Honda CR-V (WJM-853) parked at the dimly lit portion of Doña Hemady Street in Barangay New Manila.

Probers tried to accost the actor, but Magalona, upon seeing the approaching lawmen, sped off, prompting the law enforcers to give a chase.

During the chase, the cops shot one of the tires of Magalona’s car, forcing it to stop. The lawmen frisked the suspects and found marijuana cigarette and other drug paraphernalia in their possession.

Peralta said the hearing for the motion to conduct preliminary investigation on Magalona’s case will be held today. – Cecille Suerte-Felipe