Richard: It was an accident

MANILA, Philippines - Two months after her husband, Nomar Pardo, died in a car accident in which Richard Gutierrez (who was driving) was also injured, Nomar’s widow Lorayne filed against Richard a case of Reckless Imprudence Resulting to Homicide, reportedly asking for a P4-M damage.

Here’s Richard’s official statement on the case (distributed during the recent thanksgiving merienda for the press for the success of his TV show Zorro, photo):

I learned, through media sources, of the criminal case filed against me by Nomar’s widow, and I am very saddened and upset by this unfair act.

Nomar was more than an assistant to me; he was a good friend. What happened in the morning of May 22 was an accident, one which took my friend’s life, and where I also could have died. The trauma which that accident caused me I will carry all my life, but I was not negligent, nor did I commit any crime.

It was an accident that could have happened to anyone; in fact the initial reports which were released soon after the incident confirmed that there were at least six vehicular accidents in that same area. We will present evidence of that fact at the proper time.

Before the filing of this case, I already made public my desire to help Nomar’s children, to help in their education. I wanted to help not because I have a legal obligation to Nomar’s family, but because I cared for a friend I had lost, and I knew that is what my friend would have wanted.

It was unfortunate that Nomar’s widow has chosen to do this; has chosen enmity over friendship. I wonder if anyone else had been driving, would Lorraine have sued? Because the accident happened more than two months ago, and the case was just filed now.

Let me repeat this: It was an accident, and my family and I will not be pressured or coerced by the filing of this case. We will trust that the justice system will vindicate me in the end.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my friends and my family for their unconditional and unwavering support. Because I have them behind me, I am able to meet this painful challenge.

I have my lawyers with me today, to answer questions about the case that you may have.

Thank you.