The lawyers of Cirse “Choy” Torralba are now asking the court to cancel the bail bond of John Lloyd Ortiz who was convicted after an attempt to kill the radioman.
State prosecutor Ernesto Narido, Jr. and private counsel Ronnie Vallena reasoned out that “it’s not impossible that Ortiz might flee to an unknown destination and that there is undue risk that he may commit another crime if he will be allowed to enjoy liberty even after his conviction.”
The 24-year-old Ortiz was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by Regional Trial Court Branch 12 Judge Estela Alma Singco after the court found him guilty beyond reasonable doubt for the foiled slay attempt on Torralba in 2004.
A heated argument is expected to happen between the lawyers of both parties this morning after Judge Singco scheduled a hearing of said motion at 8:30 a.m.
A relative of Ortiz said their lawyers – Rolando Quimbo and Haide Acuña – are already prepared to argue in court to convince the judge that their client should be allowed to enjoy temporary liberty pending the results of his appeal.
It was learned that Ortiz had already appealed the verdict of his case before the appellate court hoping that the Court of Appeals will reverse the trial court’s ruling convicting him of frustrated murder charges.
Torralba’s main arguments are that Ortiz should be sent to jail even if his appeal is still pending at the appellate court, on reasons that “(a) there is a good probability of flight if released on bail, (b) undue risk of retaliation considering that he is a fraternity member and was convicted by virtue of his positive identification by witnesses, and (c) ever since the trial hereof in the court, the private complainant has been constantly receiving threats in connection herewith.”
Torralba sustained multiple bullet wounds when he was shot while inside his car in front of a radio station on Don Jose Avila Street in June 8, 2004. — Rene U. Borromeo/MEEV