2 Ecija cops scolded for appearing unprepared in court

CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines – A judge admonished two police officers for appearing unprepared to take the witness stand on Wednesday.

Judge Trese Wenceslao of the Regional Trial Court Branch 28 scolded Police Officer 3 Abigail Aguas of the Cabanatuan City police and Police Officer 3 Catalino Cordova of the Sta. Rosa police, noting their acts could lead to the dismissal of the cases they filed against the accused.

Wenceslao was irked when Aguas and Cordova responded only with a smile when asked by assistant city prosecutor Melvin Martinez if they were ready to testify in a case being heard.

After admonishing the officers, Wenceslao declared a recess and went to his chamber. He returned after 30 minutes.

The courtroom was packed with several litigants, including some 20 inmates from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

Wenceslao was hearing several cases, including those related to illegal drugs.

A third officer, who was about to take the witness stand, admitted he too was unprepared.

He said he could not remember what he had stated in his affidavit. 

A court employee justified the judge’s actuations, saying government law enforcers should always be prepared when appearing before the courts to strengthen cases where they serve as witnesses.

“Policemen should always do their homework, and study the cases. They should not go to court unprepared because it would only result in delays and postponement or worse, dismissal of cases they filed,” the employee said.