Missing sabungeros’ case judge inhibition sought

A motion for inhibition has been filed by the prosecution against Judge Rebecca Guillen-Ubaña of the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 40, who is handling the case of the six accused in the disappearance of sabungeros at Manila Arena.

Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Katheryn May Penaco-Rojas said the Manila RTC Branch 40 had junked their petition asking for the issuance of another warrant of arrest against the accused in the case.

This follows the Court of Appeals’ cancellation in January of the bail for the six accused in the abduction and serious illegal detention that occurred at Manila Arena in January 2022.

The prosecutor stated that the rejection of their petition was issued the other day, but they obtained a copy on Wednesday.

“The court denied the motion for the issuance of a warrant of arrest, so we have to file a motion for inhibition against the judge because the Court of Appeals already ruled that the petition for bail has to be denied. However, the Manila court issued a denial of our motion for the issuance of the warrant of arrest,” Penaco-Rojas explained.

According to the defense lawyer, Atty. Angelo Santos, they will file a position on the motion for inhibition against the judge handling the case.

He said they will be filing their comment as they haven’t yet reviewed the motion.

Regarding the Court of Appeals’ cancellation of his client’s bail bond, they have already filed a motion for reconsideration with the appellate court.

Santos said they already filed their motion with the Court of Appeals, and it is still pending resolution.

The prosecution, on the other hand, said they will await the Court of Appeals’ decision regarding the defense’s motion and their own motion for inhibition against the RTC judge.

Penaco-Rojas said they will have to wait for the resolution of the Court of Appeals; in the meantime, they also have to wait for the resolution of the Regional Trial Court.