Good Morning Judge: Lascanas’ confession
FROM latest media reports it would seem that the much vaunted arrest of Senator Leila de Lima would not happen as the senator has filed Motions to Quash the Information filed by the DOJ before the three RTC Branches of Muntinlupa City. It is De Lima’s contention that it is the Office of the Ombudsman and not the Department of Justice which should have investigated “the charges against her because she was the justice secretary when the alleged crimes were committed.” With this development no warrant of arrest could be issued against the senator until the issue of jurisdiction is resolved by the RTC branches of Muntinlupa. The RTC branches may still give the DOJ time to comment on De Lima’s Motions and the latter to file her Reply if she so desires after which the matter will be submitted for resolution by the Court. Should the resolutions be adverse against the senator, the latter may elevate the issue to the Court of Appeals by way of Petition for Review and to the Supreme Court if the CA’s decision is adverse against her. With all these proceedings, it may still take some time before De Lima could be incarcerated. Incidentally, the latest reported written confession of retired SPO3 Arthur Lascanas “that he served as hit man for a death squad under the control and pay of President Duterte when the Chief Executive was the mayor of Davao City” would boost the claim of senator De Lima of the perpetration of extra-judicial killings of drug users/pushers by the Duterte administration. Parenthetically, reports also are that the Commission on Human Rights rejected last Tuesday the claim of Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar that “it had cleared President Duterte of involvement in extrajudicial killings in Davao when he was mayor of the city.” The CHR reminded Malacanang that “it had forwarded a resolution dated June 28, 2012 to the Office of the Ombudsman recommending the investigation of then Davao Mayor Duterte for possible liability for tolerating numerous extrajudicial killings and his alleged involvement in the Davao Death Squad (DDS)”. TRIVIA: Congratulations to the Knights of Columbus, Nueva Caceres Council 7995, based on Our Lady of Penafrancia Parish, which celebrated its 36th Foundation Anniversary last Sunday, February 19. Yours truly was tasked to deliver a Special Message during the occasion. As a former Grand Knight of the Council (1987-1988) I feel honored to deliver the message. Congratulations also to the officers and member of the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce which will have its Induction of Officers at the Avenue Plaza today, February 23. Sincere greetings also goes to Timoteo “Tim” Borromeo Jr. and Pompeo “Pomping” Requinta of the AdeNU high school batch ‘54 who are celebrating their respective birthday anniversaries this coming Friday, February 24, at the Oyster Villa Restaurant with a luncheon-fellowship for their batch mates and their spouses. The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), Camarines Sur Chapter is slated to have its election of the new set of Board of Officers this coming Saturday, February 25, at the IBP Building. This writer has been designated to sit as the Chairman of the Election Committee with Atty. Leo Arnel M. Caayao and Atty. Epifanio Maria J. Terbio, Jr as members. QUOTATION OF THE WEEK: “THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN THE BEAUTY OF THEIR DREAMS.” ELEANOR ROOSEVELT FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE: “SING PRAISE TO THE LORD, YOU FAITHFUL; GIVE THANKS TO GOD’S HOLY NAME.” PSALM 31:5