Friday, May 25, 2007 Anti-crime group hits bail for ex-Batangas guv
THE Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (Vacc) on Thursday criticized Judge Elmo Alameda of Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 150 for granting bail to former Batangas governor Antonio Leviste despite the existence of "grave cruelty" on the killing of his former aide, Rafael delas Alas, at his office in Makati City last January.
Vacc founding chairman Dante Jimenez said the de las Alas family is "disgusted" over the decision of Alameda and is contemplating on filing an inhibition against the judge over the "unjust decision."
"What evidence does the judge need when he was shown in open court the "excessive cruelty" done over the victims head, four clear shots including a shot at the back of the head and a shot at the left arm a clear sign that the victim is the one defending from the volley of shots inflicted by ex-governor Leviste on the victims head, " Jimenez said.
Jimenez urged State Prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco to use all legal remedies to correct the "unjust decision."
He assailed the statement made by Makati Major Jejomar Binay for having pre-judged the case when Binay stated during the trial proper that de las Alas was almost going to shoot Leviste because of the presence of the gun in the victim's hand.
"The de las Alas family and the Vacc are now in danger of the consequences of the release of ex-governor Leviste who is now free to plan for his next defensive and offensive moves. Leviste is a very dangerous man," Jimenez said.
Vacc members have been attending the hearings on the controversial case and even figured in a verbal tussle with Leviste at one time. (AH/Sunnex)
