Live coverage of massacre ruling sought

Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes’ request for a one-month extension was granted by the SC and she is expected to render a decision on or before 20 December. #Maguindanaomassacreruling

Media outfits have asked the Supreme Court to allow live coverage of the promulgation of the Maguindanao massacre ruling on 19 December.

In a three-page letter to Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta last 3 December, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility and the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism said the media and the public waited 10 years for the event, thus, should be allowed to witness the promulgation.

“The live coverage/streaming of the promulgation would allow the families and relatives of the 58 victims who may not be able to attend the promulgation in Metro Manila to hear live the reading of the court’s decision on the killing of their relatives… Not every family member has the capacity to fly to Manila,” the petitioners added in their letter to Peralta.

Of the victims, 32 were journalists mostly based in General Santos City, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Maguindanao.

They also suggested the high bench designate a specific area within the courtroom as a media gallery where reporters and cameramen will be positioned.

Live coverage according to the petitioners would also not be prejudicial to the rights of the accused, the groups said, noting that promulgation is just a reading of the judge’s decision as stated in the Rules of Court.

The public would have a chance to hear the ruling of the lower court, boosting “the public’s trust on transparency and accountability of court processes, particularly in how fair and just the case has been decided.”

Various media networks, publications, and journalists signed the petition.

Broadcast journalists were among those massacred when they accompanied a group of supporters of now Maguindanao Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu in filing his papers to run for the post of Maguindanao governor against Andal Ampatuan Jr, then governor Andal Ampatuan Senior’s son.

Armed supporters of the Ampatuans waylaid the victims and brought them in the town of Ampatuan where they were shot and buried in hastily-dug grave.

The case should have been decided last month as it was already submitted for resolution last August but Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes asked the Supreme Court for additional time before coming up with a decision.

Under the rules, a court has 90 days upon which to issue judgment after a case has been submitted for resolution.

Solis-Reyes’ request for a one-month extension was granted by the SC and she is expected to render a decision on or before 20 December.

Arrangements for media coverage is still being made said Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez.