Son wishes Abalos speedy, fair trial

MANILA, Philippines - Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. said yesterday his New Year’s wish is for his father, detained former Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr., to have a fair and speedy trial and to be allowed to post bail.

“It’s the wish of the whole family, who welcomed the New Year inside the detention cell of my father,” Benhur told The STAR in a telephone interview.

Abalos is detained at the Southern Police District (SPD) headquarters in Taguig City while on trial for two counts of electoral sabotage. Benhur said their family used to gather at their home along Kanlaon Street for New Year’s Eve.

The Mandaluyong mayor said while they are emotionally and legally prepared to fight the charges, their only appeal is temporary liberty for his father due to his age – Abalos is 76 – and health condition.

Benhur said celebrating the New Year in the SPD headquarters rekindled memories of the 1986 EDSA People Power revolt, when their family and supporters from Mandaluyong helped barricade Camp Aguinaldo. He said his father is visited by supporters each day.