As the public anticipates the promulgation of the decision on the Maguindanao massacre case on 19 December, Malacanang on Tuesday expressed hope that justice will be served to the victims of the gruesome murders.
In a press briefing, Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo stressed that regardless on whose administration, justice will be served to the massacre victims and noted that despite the obstacles, the most important thing is that justice will prevail.
“The court will decide on the basis of evidence and we hope that justice will be given to the parties especially the prosecution,” Panelo said. “Well, regardless of who’s administration, justice should always prevail.”
When asked if President Rodrigo Duterte has a personal comment regarding Thursday’s promulgation, Panelo said they didn’t touch on the matter.
“We didn’t touch on that when we were talking yesterday,” Panelo said.
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On his thoughts about the matter being a former counsel of one of the Ampatuan’s, Panelo said he cannot make any personal comment about it, adding that he won’t attend the promulgation as he will be in Davao.
“I cannot make any comment because any comment I have will be viewed by people whether for or against with some bias because I was involved,” said Panelo. “But justice should prevail and will have to respect whatever decision the court will give.”
To recall, the Supreme Court (SC) earlier allowed the live broadcast and media coverage of the promulgation of the decision on the Maguindanao massacre – where at least 58 individuals that included 32 print journalists were killed along with the group of now Maguindanao Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu.
His party was to file his papers to run for the gubernatorial post in Maguindanao when the group of his rival Andal Ampatuan Jr. — son of then governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. — pounced on its convoy.
The victims were buried in hastily-dug grave.
The promulgation was expected last month, but Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes, presiding judge of Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 handling the case, asked the SC for an additional time before coming up with decision.
