Court set to decide on Abalos poll sabotage case

MANILA, Philippines - A Pasay City judge ended Monday the trial of former Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos for two counts of electoral sabotage in connection with the alleged cheating in North Cotabato during the 2007 midterm elections.

Judge Jesus Mupas of Pasay Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 112 gave the prosecutors 20 days to submit their memorandum after they failed to present their rebuttal witness against Abalos during Monday’s hearing.

Court spokesperson Felda Domingo told The STAR that after the prosecutors submit the memorandum, the case is deemed submitted for decision.

Earlier this month, Pasay RTC Branch 117 Judge Eugenio dela Cruz dismissed 11 counts of electoral sabotage against Abalos in connection with the alleged cheating in South Cotabato.

The judge said the prosecution failed to prove Abalos’ guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

During his trial for the alleged cheating in North Cotabato, Abalos presented himself as the only witness in his case. Rather than undergo direct examination, he submitted a judicial affidavit as his direct testimony last Oct. 10.

Abalos, in the affidavit, denied ordering the alleged cheating and insisted the one behind the fraud was state witness Yogi Martirizar, former North Cotabato election supervisor, who claimed Abalos ordered her to rig the election results in favor of senatorial candidates allied with the Arroyo administration.