RJ Bautista's arraignment reset

MANILA, Philippines - The arraignment of Ramon Joseph Bautista, principal suspect in the murder of his older brother Ram Revilla (Ramgen Bautista in real life), has been postponed until early next year pending the resolution of his motion to dismiss the case.

The city prosecutor’s office, meanwhile, found probable cause to indict alleged gunmen Roy Francis Tolisora and Michael Nartea but the date of their arraignment has yet to be finalized.

Bautista’s arraignment was initially set yesterday, a week after the criminal charges were formally filed in court. His mother Genelyn Magsaysay and two other sisters attended the hearing.

Bautista was rescheduled to enter his plea on Jan. 17, but clerk of court Roberto Makalintal said the final date will depend on the outcome of Bautista’s motion to dismiss the case.

The court’s designated trial prosecutor Apolinar Quetullo said he has 20 days to oppose Bautista’s motion.

“I don’t want the motion to be granted,” said Quetullo, but refused to elaborate. “Just wait for my comment.”

Bautista and sister Ma. Ramona Bautista, Tolisora, Nartea, alleged “middlemen” Glaiza Visda (not Vista as earlier reporter), Norwin de la Cruz, and a certain Bryan were charged for the murder of Ramgen.

Bautista’s case was elevated to the court after his lawyer Dennis Manzanal refused to avail of the preliminary investigation.

Nartea and Tolisora’s charge sheet on the other hand, has been forwarded to the sala of Judge Fortunito Madrona of Parañaque Regional Trial Court Branch 274. Their lawyer Ana Luz Cristal has 10 days to file her comment, after which their arraignment will be set.

“The date of arraignment (for Nartea and Tolisora) will still depend on the legal remedy that will be exhausted by the lawyer,” Makalintal told reporters.

In their counter-affidavit, Tolisora and Nartea denied involvement in Oct. 28 murder, but admitted they participated with the other suspects in earlier plans to kill Ramgen.