DOJ cites extensive review for sabungeros case delay

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, said the pace of filing criminal information in the case involving the missing “sabungeros” is due to an extensive review process meant to prevent the charges from being dismissed in court.

DOJ spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez said prosecutors are taking time to ensure that the case is legally sound before filing it in court.

Martinez said that aside from the volume of evidence, prosecutors must closely examine the wording of the information, noting that errors in phrasing could make the case quashable.

A quashable case, he explained, would allow the defense to seek dismissal of the charges in court.

Martinez also addressed the motion for reconsideration (MR) expected to be filed by the respondents against the DOJ’s earlier resolution recommending indictment.

He clarified that the filing of an MR does not suspend the filing of the criminal information in court.

According to Martinez, once the review is completed and the information is finalized, the case may be filed even if the resolution on the motion for reconsideration remains pending.