Ivler's ma asks judge to reconsider fine for fistfight challenge

MANILA, Philippines - Marlene Aguilar-Pollard has asked a judge hearing the murder charges against her son, Jason Ivler, to reconsider his order fining her P20,000 for indirect contempt after she challenged him to a fistfight on national television on March 23.

Pollard told Judge Bayani Vargas of the Regional Trial Court Branch 219 that her comments on the prosecution’s motion to cite her in contempt were not considered. 

Through her lawyers Edwardson Ong and Priscilla Marie Abante, Pollard said while she filed her comment within the requested period, the court already prejudged the matter and issued the order for contempt on April 15, or before she could file her comment and before the prosecution could file its reply.

The prosecution earlier asked the court to cite Pollard in contempt over her outburst during the March 23 hearing of her son’s case. Vargas ordered Pollard to pay a fine of P20,000 after finding her guilty of indirect contempt. 

Ivler is facing murder charges for allegedly killing Renato Victor Ebarle Jr. in a road rage incident in 2009.

In her motion, she said she had until April 10 to file her comment on the prosecution’s motion but since the date fell on a Sunday, the comment may be filed the following day, April 11.

Pollard’s lawyer filed on April 11 by registered mail a motion for extension asking for another seven days or until April 17 to file her client’s comment. They said they filed the motion for extension within the original deadline.

They said Pollard’s comment was also filed through registered mail on April 18, wherein she summarized her concerns, including an alleged lack of fair treatment for her son.