'High-profile' pol to intervene in Vizconde case

MANILA, Philippines – Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) chief Persida Rueda Acosta said yesterday a “high-profile” personality will intervene in the Vizconde massacre case, which is currently on appeal at the Supreme Court.

“On Friday, there will be another special and dominant personality who will file his (motion for) intervention,” Acosta said.

She refused to name the interveneor, but described him as “a public servant and a politician at the same time. He has become one of the top officials of the country” but is no longer incumbent.

“He believes in (witness) Jessica (Alfaro) and the case and the strength of the prosecution evidence,” said Acosta.

Acosta said Alfaro is a credible witness and that there is enough evidence to implicate Hubert Webb and his six other co-accused in the crime.

The Supreme Court acquitted Webb, son of former senator Freddie Webb; Antonio Lejano; Michael Gatchalian; Miguel Rodriguez; Hospicio Fernandez; Peter Estrada and former policeman Gerardo Biong in a decision promulgated last December.

Acosta’s office is representing Lauro Vizconde, who lost his wife and two daughters in the massacre on June 30, 1991.

Last week, Vizconde appealed the Supreme Court’s acquittal of Webb despite a double jeopardy prohibition protecting the seven men from having their acquittal questioned.

 Acosta said Vizconde’s appeal is exempted from the double jeopardy prohibition because the Supreme Court previously allowed an appeal against the acquittal of those involved in the 1983 killings of former senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and Rolando Galman.