ILOCOS NORTE — The camp of former Dingras town, Ilocos Norte Mayor Marynette Gamboa has urged the court to junk the murder case filed in connection for the alleged killing of then Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative board president Lorenzo Rey Ruiz last 4 September 2009 in Langayan, Currimao, Ilocos Norte.
Gamboa's legal team disclosed that during the hearing on Friday, the prosecution asked to reset the hearing without discussing the merits of the case as they needed more time.
"The public prosecutor was not prepared that's why she asked for resetting," said Atty. Joel Reyes Garcia, one of the legal counsels of Gamboa.
Meantime, Atty. Juanito F. Antonio, also the counsel of Gamboa, disclosed that during the arraignment proceedings, Gamboa pleaded "not guilty" to murder charges and that case should be swiftly resolved.
"The court should consider the fact that she is a detention prisoner and that she is not in perfect health. She has high blood pressure, diabetes, and some other forms of discomfort that's why we are asking the court to expedite the process because we are prepared for pre-trial at any step of the way, we are prepared to answer the prosecution," Antonio said.
To recall, Gamboa was nabbed last 30 September 2023, at Kai-Balinese Pool Resort, Indigo Bay Hot Spring Subdivision Sucol, Real, Calamba City, Laguna by elements of RSOG-RID NCRPO and Calamba City Police Station, under the warrant of arrest issued by the Presiding Judge of RTC Branch 17 in Batac dated 11 July 2022, for the crime of murder with no bail recommended.
In their explanation, Antonio and Garcia explained that "If Gamboa is proven to be not guilty, then how can the state return the life that she had nor be compensated with the time lost because of the pendency of this case."
Gamboa's camp stressed that they will file a petition for bail to maximize the practice of the rights of their client as guaranteed by the constitution.
"We will file a bail petition, nobody can prevent us from doing so, because that is a remedy provided by the constitution then the prosecution has to prove that the evidence of guilt is strong," Antonio said.