Palace blames judiciary for massacre trial’s slow pace

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang is not to blame for the slow pace of the trial of the Maguindanao massacre case, a Palace official has said.

“We are not in a position to answer that because we’re the executive branch. It’s with the judicial branch of government. What can you expect from us?” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda told a press briefing on Monday.

“The executive branch is like the ordinary citizen also waiting for the outcome of the trial,” Lacierda said.

“There are many cases, many accused… we can only hope… the decision will be forthcoming,” he added.

Lacierda gave assurance Malacañang is one with the public in wanting the case resolved, but could not do anything lest they be accused of interference. “At the end of the day, it is with Judge (Jocelyn) Solis-Reyes and how she conducts a trial that makes a difference on the pacing,” he said.

Lacierda credited Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes-Sereno for the reforms the Supreme Court initiated to hasten the pace of trial, such as the creation of additional courts.

“It’s the magnitude of the number of people accused and the number of people that need to be presented as witnesses either for the prosecution or the defense,” Lacierda said.

“We hope and pray… we will find closure… We recognize that as long as the case is ongoing, there will be no closure for the victims or the relatives of the massacre,” he added.

Lacierda said 111 of the 197 defendants had been arrested and arraigned. The testimonies of 178 witnesses – 93 from the prosecution and 27 from the defense – have been heard.

He said it was unfair for the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines to accuse President Aquino of a lack of political will to bring the perpetrators of the massacre to justice.

“We can say our concerns, we can voice our concern. But it is the Supreme Court… the court itself – the (regional trial) court branch 221 – that has the final say on trial. Make no mistake, we are very concerned also,” Lacierda said.

Meanwhile, journalists in Negros Occidental have joined calls for justice for the victims of the Maguindanao massacre.

The Negros Press Club led by its president Dolores Epacta lighted candles and put flowers at the marker of the fallen journalists in Bacolod Public Plaza Monday night.

A mass was also offered for the victims at the San Sebastian Cathedral.

“Justice delayed for six years is always justice denied,” Fr. Irineo Gordoncillo said in his homily. “This is not just an insult to media men but the whole country as well.”

The sisters of slain lawyer Concepcion Jayme- Brizuela and journalist Bart Maravilla attended the event.

Andrea Jayme appealed for a speedy trial while Teresita Maravilla appealed to the family of Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu to help them in following up the case. – With Danny Dangcalan