Mandaluyong hit-and-run suspect pleads not guilty

MANILA, Philippines — The driver of a sport utility vehicle, which injured a security guard during a hit-and-run accident in Mandaluyong yesterday pleaded not guilty to frustrated murder charges.

Accompanied by his lawyer, Jose Antonio Sanvicente was arraigned before Judge Aileen Saquing-Agacita of the Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court Branch 213.

Sanvicente refused to answer questions from reporters after his arraignment.

According to a police report, Sanvicente’s Toyota RAV 4 hit security guard Christian Joseph Floralde, who was directing traffic at an intersection in front of a mall in Barangay Wack-Wack on June 5.

A viral video showed that Sanvicente’s vehicle ran over Floralde, who was lying on the ground.

The Mandaluyong prosecutor’s office has downgraded the complaint filed against Sanvicente from frustrated murder to frustrated homicide.

In a resolution dated June 29, Assistant City Prosecutor Jofre Andrion also dismissed for lack of probable cause the complaint filed against Sanvicente for abandonment of a person
in danger under Article 275 of the Revised Penal Code.

Sanvicente’s lawyer, Federico Biolena, said they would submit to the court their witnesses and evidence during the pre-trial set on Oct. 4.

Floralde, who was present during the court proceedings, refused to give a media interview.

The Land Transportation Office has revoked Sanvicentes’ driver’s license due to the accident.