De Lima to review resolution clearing Ruby Rose slay suspect

MANILA, Philippines - Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila de Lima said yesterday she will review a resolution of former secretary Agnes Devanadera clearing shipping magnate Lope Jimenez in the killing of his daughter-in-law, Ruby Rose Barrameda-Jimenez, sister of former actress Rochelle Barrameda.

“I asked the panel of prosecutors handling the case to give me records of the case. I want to know what the basis was of the exclusion of Lope Jimenez and inclusion of Ruby Rose’s husband (Manuel Jimenez III) as accused,” she told reporters after meeting with the Barrameda family in her office.

De Lima said she decided to review the case upon the request of the victim’s family. “They asked for my help. They want to expedite indictment of Mr. Lope Jimenez. So I checked with the panel and I was told the case wasn’t touched by (former secretary Alberto) Agra,” she said. Agra served as justice secretary after Devanadera.

In a 12-page resolution last March, Devanadera ordered Lope’s name removed from the list of suspects in the murder case pending at the Malabon regional trial court. Among the suspects are Lope’s brother, Manuel Jr., and four others.

Upon review, Devanadera overturned the findings of the investigating fiscals that found ample evidence to link Lope, owner of Navotas–based Buena Suerte Jimenez Fishing and Trading Co. (BSJ), to the murder.

Lope’s lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, said it was impossible for his client to plan the killing with his brother since the two men have been estranged long before the crime was committed due to conflicts in their family business.

Apart from reviewing her predecessor’s resolution, De Lima said she will also strictly monitor developments in the trial, especially following the court’s decision not to allow confessed killer Manuel Montero to become a state witness in the trial.

“There is pending MR (motion for reconsideration) on that decision of the (court). That is crucial because we only have one witness,” she said.

DOJ prosecutors sought Montero’s exclusion from the list of accused immediately after filing the information before the court. Judge Hector Almeyda denied the motion, saying the main factor in using an accused as a state witness is that he or she must not be the most guilty – a finding that has to be gauged from the statement of the accused himself and other available evidence.