by Miriam G. Desacada
Without commenting on the court’s granting of bail to the nine accused in the ambush-murder of Calbayog City mayor Ronaldo Aquino, and three others, on 08 March 2021, the victims’ families continued to assert their fight that real justice must be served.
The mayor’s widow Marcelina said the Aquino family, supporters, and relatives of the others who were killed have formally appealed to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM) and DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos to help ensure a speedy and fair trial so that justice will prevail.
“We are appealing for help (or intervention) from PBBM and Secretary Abalos for a fair trial of the case to attain real justice for my husband, and for the others who were murdered in that ambush,” said Marcelina in a statement given to the local media, adding that they are now apprehensive that the case might be whitewashed in the end.
“I pray that this appeal will be given immediate action because we are hoping that there is still justice in our land,” she said in a press conference held days after RTC Judge Maricar Lucero allowed each of the accused to post bail of P120,000 that would grant the nine accused—all former police officers—temporary liberty.
Private prosecutor Alma Uy-Lampasa, apparently dejected over the court ruling, immediately filed a motion for inhibition of the judge from further handling of the controversial case, with the intention of moving for a reconsideration of the granting of bail under the new judge.
Judge Lucero eventually inhibited herself voluntarily from handling the Aquino murder case, but she also took to “perpetual inhibition” on cases where lawyer Uy-Lampasa is involved, either as defense counsel or prosecution. —Miriam G. Desacada