Prosecution asks Senate to subpoena ABS-CBN videos

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

MANILA -- The impeachment prosecution team has asked the Senate court to issue a subpoena duces tecum requiring the head of the ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs division to bring copies of videos regarding the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) that allowed former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to leave the country two months ago.

The High Tribunal issued a TRO on the Justice department’s watchlist order against the Arroyo couple. This permitted them to attempt to leave for Singapore.

Immigration officials, however, barred the couple from leaving upon orders from Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.

In a request for issuance of subpoena duces tecum filed Tuesday, the prosecutors said Ging Reyes, head of the said news department, or a designated official custodian can bring the videos showing the following:

1) Press briefing of Supreme Court (SC) Midas Marquez on November 15 wherein he announced that the court, through an 8-5 ruling, decided to issue a TRO in favor of Arroyo;
2) Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, former First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo’s legal counsel, preparing for the payment of a cash bond around 5 to 7 p.m.;
3) Posting/payment of cash bond at the SC made by Arroyo’s representative at around 6 p.m.;
4) Attempted travel of the former President from the time she left the hospital to the time she arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport;
5) Arrest of Arroyo by virtue of a warrant issued by the Pasay City Regional Trial Court;
6) Statement of Marquez on November 16 in the program Head Start stating that the TRO is still in full force and effect; and
7) Statements of Marquez in reaction to the allegations that he made untruthful statements regarding the TRO issued in favor of Arroyo made on November 20;

The ABS-CBN official is also requested to bring the list of cameraman who covered the said incidents. (Sunnex)