Failon, Pulido eyed as defense witnesses in Dacer-Corbito case

MANILA, Philippines - Defense lawyers in the double murder of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito want news anchor Ted Failon and former television reporter Ma. Judea “Maki” Pulido to stand as witnesses in behalf of their clients.

They asked Manila City Regional Trial Court (MCRTC) Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina to issue a subpoena to Pulido, ABS-CBN’s Failon (real name Mario Teodoro Failon Etong), anti-crime advocate Teresita Ang-See and former policemen Glenn Dumlao and Michael Ray Aquino.

“On Sept. 29, 2010, (Medina) issued an order directing the defense to submit the names of their respective witnesses, otherwise, they will be considered to have waived their right to present their evidence in support of their opposition to the prosecution’s motion to discharge accused Cezar Mancao,” the defense lawyers said in their manifestation filed last Wednesday.

Defense counsels Alex Avisado Jr., Raymond Cajucom, Ronald Michael Ubana and Rose Anne Rosales filed the document in behalf of their clients Crisostomo Purificacion, Rommel Rollan, Ruperto Nemenio and Police Officer 2 Thomas Sarmiento. It is the defense’s turn to present witnesses in court.

In last Wednesday’s hearing, Medina asked what testimony could be expected from Dumlao since he has already been presented before the court. Ubana said that he would want to get Dumlao’s testimony to “prove that Mancao’s testimony is not necessary” and that it cannot be substantiated in court.

Senior State Prosecutor Phillip Kimpo objected to Ubana’s request, saying Dumlao had been cross-examined and subjected to re-direct examination by the defense.

Ferdinand Topacio, Mancao’s lawyer, said he could not understand why there is a need to prolong the proceedings.

Medina then said Ubana would be allowed to submit a manifestation during the next hearing on Nov. 24 to explain the need for Dumlao’s testimony. If the court is satisfied with Ubana’s plea, then the court might allow Dumlao to testify for the defense, Medina said.