Everyday, numerous cases are filed, investigated and dismissed. Whether these cases receive the right verdict is the bigger question. The GUIDON looks through the most prominent cases in the Philippines where justice is still left unserved.
Photo from AP Photo/Aaron Favila
MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE
9 MONTHS
Case opened: November 23, 2009
Prime suspect: Andal Ampatuan Jr. for multiple murder.
The Crime: Members of a convoy about to file Ampatuan’s political archrival, Toto Mangudadatu’s certificate of candidacy were massacred. 57 people, including journalists were brutally killed.
Case Update: Witnesses were being killed one after the other in what the authorities believed as a plan to shut those speaking against the Ampatuans. DOJ Secretary de Lima ordered the immediate resumption of the case.
Photo from Interaksyon
FERTILIZER FUND SCAM
5 YEARS
Case opened: October 6, 2005
Prime suspects: Cito Lorenzo, Jr., Joc-Joc Bolante and Gloria Arroyo for malversation of public funds or property, and graft.
The Crime: The P728 million budget allotted for the purchase of farm products was allegedly used to fund former President Arroyo’s presidential campaign.
Case update: The primary suspects, except Arroyo were found guilty. The public accused Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, a former classmate of then first gentleman Mike Arroyo, of bias.
Photo from GMA News
DACER-CORBITO DOUBLE MURDER
10 YEARS
Case opened: November 24, 2000
Prime suspect: Panfilo Lacson, Sr. for double murder.
The Crime: Six days after his meeting with former President Joseph Estrada, publicist Bubby Dacer and his driver, Emmanuel Corbito’s burned corpses were found in Cavite. Reports say that Dacer discouraged Estrada to appoint Lacson as PNP chief believing that the latter is plotting black propaganda against the government.
Case update: Lacson, even before being issued a warrant of arrest on February this year, has already been in hiding.
Photo from aboutph.com
BENIGNO AQUINO ASSASSINATION
27 YEARS
Case opened: August 24, 1983
Case closed: July 1991 after the conviction of 25 military personnel.
Prime suspects: Eduardo Cojuangco, Jr., 25 military personnel and former first lady Imelda Marcos for murder.
The Crime: Ninoy Aquino, the archrival of Ferdinand Marcos, was shot dead at the Manila International Airport.
Case update:The mastermind behind the assassination is still unidentified but the other suspects are already behind bars while some were granted parole.
