Lawyer insists: Pastor widow still in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines - A lawyer who claims to represent Dahlia Guerrero-Pastor, widow of slain international car racer Ferdinand “Enzo” Pastor, said yesterday his client is still in the Philippines.

Ruy Rondain said during a hearing at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 85 that he communicates with Guerrero-Pastor, who is wanted for parricide, “almost every day” to discuss her case.

He cited the Department of Justice’s statement that there was no record of her leaving.

Rondain’s statement came after the lawyer of Pastor’s parents questioned his authority to represent Guerrero-Pastor.

He said Guerrero-Pastor’s father contacted him and he and his client talked over the phone.

Asked if it was possible for his client to appear before the court, Rondain said it was Guerrero-Pastor’s choice and “not something a lawyer decides.”

The court handling the case ordered the lawyers of Guerrero-Pastor and her alleged lover, businessman Domingo de Guzman, to submit a written authority to represent their clients.   

Judge Luisito Cortez of RTC Branch 85 granted a request of private prosecutor Enrique dela Cruz to have the suspects’ lawyers prove their authority since their clients have not appeared in court. There are warrants for their arrest. 

Meanwhile, the court also issued a subpoena for broadcaster Noli de Castro and his cameraman to bring the raw footage and aired video of his interview with alleged gunman Police Officer 2 Edgar Angel, who has since recanted his confession that he killed Pastor upon the orders of De Guzman and Guerrero-Pastor.

Dela Cruz said the broadcaster could help corroborate the notary public’s testimony that Angel’s statement was freely executed.