QC court to decide Salapuddin’s case today

The Quezon City Court is set to decide today the motion of the lawyers of former Basilan Rep. Gerry Salapuddin for the recall of an arrest warrant on the ground that the Department of Justice has already made a resolution excluding the former Congressman from the multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder cases.

Judge Ralph Lee of RTC 83 scheduled the hearing today after government prosecutors opposed the motion filed by the defense on the ground that they have not yet received the order from the Justice Secretary.

Salapuddin’s lawyers led by Salacnib Baterina asked the court to suspend the enforcement of the arrest warrant against Salapuddin because Secretary Raul Gonzalez has already directed the State prosecutor to withdraw the information filed against their client.

The court released the arrest warrants on Monday against Salapuddin, and his co-accused, Hajaron Jamiri, Benjamin Hataman and Bayan Judda. No bail was recommended for their temporary liberty.

Defense lawyers told the court that their motion for the recall or suspension of the warrant applies only to Salapuddin. Batarina presented before the court a certified true copy of the DOJ order as their legal basis for the suspension for the enforcement of Salapuddin’s arrest warrant.

“It’s unfair to arrest Salapuddin since it was already absolved by the DOJ”, Baterina said. He also assured the court that his client is not hiding and is willing to face the court if the arrest warrant is recalled.