Ang lawyer calls arrest order premature, 'legally questionable'

Atty. Gabriel Villareal, counsel for businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, on Wednesday criticized a Laguna court’s order to arrest his client, describing the move as premature and “legally questionable,” and arguing that it bypassed fundamental constitutional safeguards.

The statement came after the Sta. Cruz, Laguna Regional Trial Court Branch 26, presided over by Judge Mary Jean Cajandab-Ong, issued a non-bailable warrant of arrest against Ang and several others for multiple counts of kidnapping with homicide in connection with the disappearance of several cockfight enthusiasts.

Villareal argued that the court’s determination of probable cause was flawed because it relied on what he described as an incomplete record submitted by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

“Clearly, the court merely acted on the incomplete information provided by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in its determination of probable cause, without the counter affidavits and exculpatory evidence of the respondents, including Mr. Ang,” Villareal said.

He maintained that the affidavits and evidence excluded from the court’s review would have cleared his client.

The defense said the proceedings violated Ang’s right to due process as protected under Article III, Section 2 of the Constitution. Villareal cited Supreme Court precedents stressing that judges must personally evaluate the facts of a case and not merely rely on the prosecution’s submissions.

According to the defense, by disregarding the respondents’ side, the court placed undue emphasis on speed over the careful legal scrutiny required for serious criminal charges.

“This case was built on haste and from the beginning there was an intent to use our client as a sacrificial lamb to protect the real mastermind of the crime,” Villareal said.

He further accused the DOJ of building its case solely on the testimony of Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, whom Villareal described as a self-confessed whistleblower and the alleged “real mastermind” behind the disappearances.

“It is unfortunate that the DOJ has allowed itself to become a witting instrument of Patidongan’s manipulations aimed at absolving himself of legal culpability at the expense of Mr. Ang,” Villareal said.

Despite the sharp criticism, Villareal said Ang would respect the judicial process and exhaust all available legal remedies to challenge the arrest order.

Even as they regret what they see as the court’s disregard for fairness and due process, Villareal said they will continue to avail themselves of remedies under the law and comply with court processes.

The lawyer reiterated that no physical evidence has been presented to directly link Ang to the crimes, maintaining that the case rests entirely on what he described as biased and uncorroborated testimony.