No video conference for massacre witnesses

MANILA, Philippines - A court has allowed the relatives of the victims of the “Maguindanao massacre’’ who are currently out of the country to testify, but not through video conferencing.

Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes ruled that should the prosecutors fail to present Myrna Reblando and Reynafe Momay-Castillo at the scheduled court hearing on Feb. 27 or earlier, it shall be deemed that they have waived their right to present them.

The judge also ruled that should the two fail to appear in court on this date, Reblando’s testimony on April 7, 2011 would be stricken off the records.

Solis-Reyes said it would be a burden on the court to install Internet connection, software and similar equipment for the two to testify and for the court to receive the testimonial evidence.

She also said video conferencing hampers the court from having physical control of the situation.

“In this media-controlled environment, the court cannot physically hold the witness accountable for his or her actions if the situation calls for it. Notably at the scheduled hearing on Feb. 3, 2011 complainant Reblando herself caught the attention of the court for her disruptive behavior,’’ Solis-Reyes said.