Tiamzons' lawyers to appeal transfer of trial venue

MANILA, Philippines - The lawyers of alleged communist leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon will appeal the decision of the Supreme Court to transfer the venue of their case's trial from the Quezon City Regional Trial Court to a building inside a police camp.

Lawyer Edre Olalia of the National Union of People's Lawyers said the couple's legal counsels are now drafting the motion for reconsideration to be filed before the High Court.

Olalia said the SC's decision to transfer the venue of the court proceedings from the Quezon City Regional Trial Court to the 3rd floor of the Training Center inside the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame is both " unreasonable"and "violates due process."

"Such unilateral move is only an overreaction to a legitimate and peaceful rally last hearing at the premises of the QC Hall of Justice by peasants...," he said in an earlier statement.

The transfer of the venue trial came following the request of Quezon City Executive Judge Fernando Sagun.

"To continue the judicial proceedings inside a police fortress under very hostile conditions and atmosphere and beyond open scrutiny is inconsistent with the minimum requirements of due process mandating a fair and impartial trial that requires a public hearing," Olalia said.

Last Monday's hearing of the kidnapping charges against the Tiamzon and Austria in Camp Crame, allegedly leaders of the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, Olalia said that even the reporters were not allowed to cover the trial.

"Pati sa ground floor, ayaw ako pa-interview-hin sa media nor sa harap ng building," Olalia said.