Defense accused of dilatory tactic

CEBU, Philippines - An Ombudsman prosecutor has accused the defense counsel in the murder case against controversial policeman Adonis Dumpit of dilatory tactics.

This after defense counsel Benjamin Militar moved to defer the cross-examination of his witness, Supt. Paul Labra II, pending resolution by the Court of Appeals of their petition for certiorari on Regional Trial Court Judge Ester Veloso’s denial of their motion seeking the latter’s inhibition.

Anti-graft prosecutor Alfred Yann Oguis said asking to postpone the cross-examination of Labra until the appellate court resolves the defense’s petition is an “obvious delaying tactic.”

“We feel pity on them, Dumpit was detained since February and the case remained stagnant,” Oguis said.

Veloso has granted Militar’s manifestation but warned that that would be the last postponement she would be granting.

“We seek refuge to the CA because we wanted Judge Veloso to inhibit from handling the case and the prosecution is given 10 days by the CA to comment on our appeal,” Militar said.

Veloso earlier denied the defense motion seeking her inhibition from the case citing lack of merit. Dumpit’s counsel asked reconsideration but was denied on the ground that their argument was recycled prompting them to elevate the matter before the Court of Appeals.

Dumpit is accused in the murder of robbery suspect Ronron Go in December 2004. The police officer however claimed it was a legitimate police operation.   - (THE FREEMAN)