Still no lawyers for Ampatuans as ‘ultimatum’ expires

MANILA, Philippines - The primary suspects in the Maguindanao massacre trial have yet to select their new lawyers even as the seven-day period earlier given to them by the court expired yesterday.

Court staff said yesterday afternoon that no lawyer has entered his appearance for Andal Ampatuan Sr., his son Andal Jr., and 11 other suspects whose lawyers withdrew from the case two weeks ago.

Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes, who earlier gave the suspects seven days to find new lawyers, has yet to issue an order on the request of the Ampatuans for an extension.

In a phone interview, private prosecutor Harry Roque – who asked for what he called the “ultimatum” to find new defense lawyers – said they are duty-bound to object to the request for an extension to find new lawyers.

He said the lack of defense lawyers is delaying the trial, considering that it is now the turn of the defense to present witnesses on the bail petition.

During a hearing on Thursday, Andal Jr. appealed to the court to give them an extension to find new lawyers as seven days is not enough.

“Our family will also have to find the money to pay for their services,” he said in Filipino.

“Don’t we have rights (to choose who will represent us)?” he added when asked by the court if they will allow a public attorney to represent them for the day.

Aside from Andal Sr. and his son, five other Ampatuans currently have no lawyers: Anwar Sr., Sajid Islam, Akmad, Datu Ulo, and Datu Ipi. Also those who refused the services of a public attorney were Moktar Daud, Taya Bangkulat, Salik Bangkulat, Not Abdul, and Nasser Esmail.

On Aug. 7, three firms representing 25 suspects – Fortun Narvasa & Salazar, Manuel law office, and Real Brotarlo & Real – simultaneously filed withdrawals of appearance. No reason was stated on why they decided to withdraw from the cases.