Daza son-in-law pleads not guilty

MANILA, Philippines - Former congresswoman Nanette Castelo-Daza’s son-in-law, Bulacan provincial board member Allan Robes, pleaded not guilty yesterday in the homicide case filed against him for killing Daza’s ex-lover.

Robes’ arraignment before the sala of Judge Zenon Maceren pushed through after the judge denied a motion filed by Noel Orate Sr.’s heirs to suspend the proceedings.

Orate’s kin sought a reinvestigation of the case, saying murder should have been filed against Robes. However, a panel from the Department of Justice (DOJ) ruled and affirmed an earlier resolution of the Quezon City fiscal that homicide should be filed.

Because of this, Orate’s children filed a petition for review before Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, saying physical evidence should be given premium over eyewitness accounts.

Orate was shot in Daza’s house on Feb. 10, with Robes and the Dazas claiming it was an act of self-defense. They alleged Orate held the family hostage that night.

Orate’s children claimed it could not have been an act of self-defense since their father was shot several times. They claimed it was Daza who summoned their father to her house that night.

Eduardo Bringas, lawyer for Orate’s children, said they will elevate the case before the Supreme Court to have the arraignment proceedings nullified.