|
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Militant group leader denies hiding behind House immunity
By Ben O. Tesiorna
BAYAN Muna Representative Joel Virador denied insinuations he and four of his colleagues are hiding behind congressional immunity in relation to the rebellion charges filed against them by the government.
Aside from Virador, lawmakers Satur Ocampo, Liza Maza, Rafael Mariano and Teodoro Casino are also under protective custody of the Lower House.
In a telephone interview, Virador said they were never cowed by the charges leveled against them and that they will face the same in court.
The so-called "Batasan 5", consisting of five party-list congressmen facing rebellion charges, was scheduled to undergo preliminary investigation Monday to be conducted by the Department of Justice inside the Batasang Pambansa.
But for some reasons unknown, the five lawmakers did not face the DOJ panel Monday.
"Ready mi nga atubangon ang mga charges batok sa amoa. Ang problema kay ang DOJ ang naga-postpone sa preliminary investigation. Ang gusto nila ikulong sa mi usa basahan sa mga kaso batok kanamo. Dili mi musugot ana kay supak kana sa due process (We are ready to face the charges against us. The problem is that the DOJ keeps on postponing the preliminary investigation and wants us jailed even before the case is read before us. We will not allow this because this denies us due process)," Virador said.
On the other hand, AnakPawis Representative Crispin Beltran has been ordered released by a lower court judge.
Quezon City Court Judge Evangeline Castillo-Marigomen found that there was no basis for detaining Beltran on inciting to sedition charges.
The court used as basis Article 6 of the Constitution that guaranteed parliamentary immunity to members of Congress.
An investigation on allegations that Beltran allegedly committed acts inciting to sedition and rebellion, however, will continue.
Beltran was arrested on February 25, a day after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared a state of national emergency following the military's discovery and thwarting of an alleged coup against the President.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (March 14, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
