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Saturday, July 08, 2006
Justice ends probe on persons liable for Ultra stampede
THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has terminated its preliminary investigation on the culpability of several ABS-CBN executives, local government and police officials in connection with the February 4 Ultra stampede that left more than 70 people dead and hundreds of others injured.
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr. said the prosecution panel is set to come up with a resolution before the end of the month after the counsels for the respondents have submitted their counter-affidavits last week.
"The preliminary investigation is finished. We are preparing the resolution, it will be issued within the month," Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez earlier ordered the resumption of the preliminary hearings after the Court of Appeals (CA) lifted the 60-day temporary restraining order it imposed on the DOJ because the petitioners failed to prove the invasion of their right or violation of due process by the respondents.
He said he felt vindicated by the appellate court’s ruling that the petition filed by lawyers for the respondents lacked merit.
The CA further affirmed the legality of Department Orders 90 and 165, dated February 8 and March 8, 2006, respectively, as these were issued in accordance with settled jurisprudence and provisions of law.
Gonzalez said the CA justified his issuance of a twin department orders pursuing the investigation against top officials of ABS-CBN, and the producers and organizers of the network’s noontime game show “Wowowee” who failed to observe proper security measures by not anticipating the massive crowd that watched the show.
He also said even the CA stated in its ruling that "somebody “must be held accountable or responsible" for the tragedy.
Among those who submitted their counter-affidavits were Charo Santos-Concio, ABS-CBN’s executive vice president and head of the entertainment group, and “Wowowee” host Willie Revillame.
Concio, Revillame and their 16 co-accused stand charged for reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide and multiple physical injuries based on the investigation report submitted by the NBI.
Lead defense counsel Regis Puno earlier questioned the capability of the justice department in coming out with an impartial ruling in its inquiry considering alleged biased statements issued by Gonzalez against the Lopez-owned network, which is critical of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Puno cited statements issued by Gonzalez that ABS-CBN will certainly be criminally prosecuted even if panel of prosecutors has not finished its preliminary investigation.
He also said ABS-CBN had offered to amicably settle claims of the victims of the stampede, which marred the first anniversary celebration of “Wowowee”, a television game show at the Philippine Sports Commission (formerly Ultra) Arena in Pasig City. (ECV/Sunnex)
(July 8, 2006 issue)
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