Quirino grandson released

MANILA, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) released from detention yesterday a grandson of the late President Elpidio Quirino.

The release of Luisito Gonzales, who is separated from Ledesma, and his driver Antonio Buenaflor came after the Supreme Court on Thursday affirmed the ruling of the Manila Regional Trial Court and the Court of Appeals dismissing the murder charges against them.

Gonzales, grandson of the late former President Elpidio Quirino, and Buenaflor had been charged with the murder of businessman Federico Delgado in 2007.

Manila RTC branch 32 Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina issued the three-page release order to the NBI yesterday authorizing the release from custody of Gonzales and Buenaflor.

The Supreme Court had affirmed the ruling of the Manila RTC and the CA, dismissing the murder charges against Gonzales and Buenaflor for lack of evidence.

The high court turned down the motion for reconsideration filed by the Delgado family, pointing out that there were no new arguments and issues that could warrant the reversal of the ruling.

The CA also dismissed the case earlier in noting the charges against Gonzales and Buenaflor merely relied on one witness whose testimony had been inconsistent.

Lawyers Jose Flaminiano and Anacleto Diaz escorted Gonzales and Buenaflor out from the NBI offices. Both had been under the custody of the NBI during the two years the case was being tried.

For his part, Gonzales said his relatives are worried for his safety.

“Because they (accusers) might frame me up again. Hopefully that won’t happen. But I am very happy and of course, I thank God. And I thank the justice system for being fair and seeing the truth,” he said.

When asked if he would file counter charges against his accusers, Gonzales said “that’s something I am talking (about) with my lawyers.” – Sandy Araneta