LIAR.
This was how the defense described Riolito Boniel, the eyewitness in the murder of Bien Unido, Bohol Mayor Gisela Boniel, during his cross-examination last Nov. 23.
Lawyer Romero Boniel, counsel of former Bohol Provincial Board Member Niño Rey Boniel, said Riolito’s testimony contradicted his earlier statements that were reported by Superbalita Cebu. Niño Rey, the alleged killer of his wife Gisela, is a first-degree cousin of Riolito. Both are also Atty. Boniel’s relatives.
During the case’s hearing before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 65 in Lapu-Lapu City, Riolito said he saw Niño Rey aim a pistol at Gisela’s head while they were on board a pump boat in the seawaters off Olango Island, Lapu-Lapu on June 7, 2017.
Riolito said the accused then pulled the trigger, killing Gisela instantly.
Atty. Boniel, during his cross-examination, questioned Riolito for his earlier statements that came out in Superbalita Cebu, which reported that Riolito failed to see the actual shooting as he was attending to the boat’s engine.
The lawyer failed to present a copy of the Superbalita Cebu report after RTC Branch 65 Judge Ferdinand Collantes and the prosecution asked for it.
Riolito said he piloted the pump boat from Dive Camp Resort in Bien Unido where Gisela was abducted, but the defense did not believe him.
“The witness is a suspect himself. He was trying to avoid being implicated. That was the reason why he has to lie, to save himself,” lawyer Boniel said.
Niño Rey’s counsel clarified that the hearing’s objective is to determine whether Riolitio should be accepted as a state witness or not. The cross-examination will continue on Jan. 11, 2019. (from FVQ of SuperBalita Cebu)