Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Court junks appeal against justice probe on Ultra stampede (2:40 p.m.)
MANILA -- The Court of Appeals (CA) has dismissed the motion for reconsideration filed by executives of television giant ABS-CBN to restrain the justice department from proceeding with its preliminary investigation on the stampede in Pasig City on February 4.
The stampede occurred during the first anniversary celebration of the noontime game show "Wowowee" at the Philsports (formerly Ultra) Arena.
In a resolution penned by Associate Justice Arturo Tayag, the CA's Special Thirteenth Division affirmed its May 24 decision rejecting the petition filed by ABS-CBN executives led by Charo Santos-Concio, executive vice president, and "Wowowee" host Willie Revillame.
"After carefully considering the grounds or arguments stated in the subject motion for reconsideration, this court finds the grounds and the reasons in support thereof have been already considered, discussed and passed upon in the questioned decision. Hence, there appears no valid or cogent reason to disturb, reverse or modify said decision," the CA said.
The CA affirmed the legality of Department Orders 90 and 165, dated February 8 and March 8, 2006, which called for the conduct of a preliminary investigation against the network owners and show organizers. (ECV/Sunnex) |
