DOJ junks bid of alleged brains in Pastor slay

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) has rejected the bid of businessman Domingo “Sandy” de Guzman, the alleged mastermind in the killing of champion car racer Enzo Pastor, for more time to answer the murder charges filed against him.

In a resolution obtained by reporters yesterday, government prosecutors denied the request of De Guzman for deferment of filing of his counter-affidavit.

His lawyer, Dennis Manalo, had asked the DOJ to first summon probers of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to submit evidence against him that he said was necessary for his defense.

Evidence sought by De Guzman included the affidavit of Paolo Salazar, Pastor’s assistant and companion during the killing on Jan. 12, and CCTV footage of a gasoline station in Muntinlupa City.

But the DOJ denied the plea, saying it has no power to issue subpoena under Republic Act 10071 of the Prosecution Service Act of 2010.

The DOJ had summoned De Guzman and Pastor’s widow Daliah to attend the preliminary investigation scheduled at 2 p.m. today.

The DOJ charged Daliah with parricide after NBI investigation found that she allegedly participated in the murder of her husband.