Arraignment of condo slay suspect deferred

The arraignment of Philippe Marcelo, who has been charged with rape and homicide in Candice Castro case was postponed yesterday after his lawyer asked the court to allow him to further explain the charges to his client.

Manila Judge Reynaldo Alhambra of Regional Trial Court Branch 53 granted the verbal motion of Marcelos lawyer Augusto Jimenez to defer the arraignment for Aug. 10.

Co-accused Bebs Reyes was a no-show to the arraignment yesterday, but he was represented by lawyer Rico Bolongaita. The parents of the slain teller, Grace and Rogelio, were also present during the scheduled arraignment.

Reyes and Marcelo were implicated to the killing of Castro, whose body was found inside her condominium unit at Vellagio Tower in Malate, Manila last May 12. She had 24 stab wounds in the body.

Alhambra reminded Bolongaita that Reyes, his client, was now a subject of an arrest warrant issued last July 27 and as such should submit himself to the court.

Castro’s lawyer Lorna Kapunan said the deferment of the arraignment was merely delaying tactics.

She questioned Jimenez’s argument that he still has to explain to his client the gravity of the offense when the case has been subjected to a preliminary investigation in which both parties were aware of the charges.

As for Reyes, Kapunan advised him to give himself up to the court and face the charges, "and if he is indeed innocent, then the court will determine it."

"I have seen his parents and classmates. They were crying and told me he is a good person... It would be for his own good if he surrenders and face the charges. Dapat silang magmadali to prove his innocence," Kapunan said.

Hiding and flight is not consistent with innocence, she pointed out.

Alhambra also issued a hold departure order against Reyes.