A private prosecutor in the Maguindanao multiple murder case on Tuesday urged the Quezon City Regional Trial Court to reject a new motion for reconsideration filed by one of the principal accused, and branded the legal move as another form of a delaying tactic.
In an interview, Nena Santos, the private lawyer for the relatives of at least 35 victims of the Maguindanao massacre, said should Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Reyes grant the plea of Andal Ampatuan Jr., an ex-mayor of Datu Unsay, Maguindanao, the case may drag on for months or even a year, instead of resolving the case “hopefully in October.”
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” she told the Manila Standard.
She urged Reyes to ignore Ampatuan’s fresh motion seeking another chance to present pieces of evidence and witnesses who could help him clear his name of any involvement in the deaths of 58 people, including 32 journalists.
“The judge must stop granting the pleas of Andal,” she said.
The accused earlier filed various motions for rebuttal and formal offer to evidence, which the court had granted.
