Massacre trial judge’s inhibition sought
SIGFRID Fortun, counsel for Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. in the Maguindanao massacre, yesterday sought the inhibition of Quezon City RTC Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes on the ground of "serious misconduct in disregarding simple evidentiary rules."
He said the accused "perceives her to be technically unprepared to rule on objections during trial."
The prosecution declined to comment on the inhibition petition since they have yet to see a copy of the motion.
Private prosecutor Nena Santos, lead counsel of Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu, said only Reyes can decide on whether she will inhibit herself.
The petition for inhibition likewise caused the deferment of the hearing on Ampatuan Jr.’s petition for bail following a motion of defense panel to give lawyers of the additional accused in the massacre trial a chance to catch up with the proceedings.
In deferring the proceedings, Reyes said, "The state prosecutors, private prosecutors and the accused appealed…and after manifestations made by the defense counsel (Sigfrid Fortun) that the accused will soon be indicted and in order to give chance to counsels of accused to catch up with proceedings and cross-examine prosecution witnesses."
The prosecution offered no objection.
"Meron kasing additional di ba? Hindi pa rin kasi namin alam kung ilan yung kasama, kung sino mga kasama talaga. So, yun lang yung sinasabi nila (defense) na kung puede huwag na munang ituloy ito kasi masyadong lalayo na ito, hahabol ito, tatawagin mo na naman yung testigo para maka-catch up naman ung ibang akusado," said State Prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera.
Prosecutors led by Senior State Prosecutor Leo Dacera on Tuesday filed 57 counts of murder against former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., his sons ARMM Gov. Datu Zaldy "Puti" Ampatuan, Datu Akmad "Tato" Ampatuan Sr., Datu Sajid Ampatuan, Anwar Ampatuan, and 196 others in connection with the November 23 massacre in Maguindanao.
Reyes reset the hearing to Feb. 24.
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