MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday granted the request of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to transfer cases related to the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo to a
“The request to transfer the subject cases from Negros Oriental to Manila was made by DOJ Sec. Remulla, in a letter dated March 9, 2023, to Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, coursed through Court Administrator Raul Villanueva,” the SC said in a briefer sent to reporters.
Remulla, in his letter, said they “anticipate the filing of other cases related thereto, considering the number of victims who have yet to file complaints.”that the significant media attention in Negros Oriental over Degamo’s killing has “created a hostile environment for the respondents” the threat of intimidation and harassment of the respondents, the private complainants, and their witnesses, which “could undermine the integrity of the trial”Remulla also pointed out that the respondents, the four arrested for killing Degamo and eight others, are currently detained at the National Bureau of Investigation Custodial Center in Manila due to the lack of an adequate detention facility in the province for such a high-profile case.
To recall, four suspects in Degamo’s killing – Joric Garido Labrador, Joven Calibjo Javier, Benjie Rodriguez, and Osmundo Rojas Rivero – were brought to Manila last week following their arrests. The four suspects have earlier signified their intention to cooperate with the authorities. The DOJ is evaluating their statements to determine if they could qualify for the Witness Protection Program.“The Court Administrator said a change of venue to Manila would be in the best interest of all parties involved. It would provide a neutral venue where the trial can be conducted fairly and impartially, free from any undue influence or bias.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Supreme Court OKs transfer of Degamo cases to Manila RTCThe Supreme Court on Tuesday announced that it has granted the request to transfer the cases filed in connection with the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo to the Manila Regional Trial Court.
Read more »
Gov’t urged to stop all reclamation, quarrying in Manila BayExperts and environmental advocates have called on the government to stop all land reclamation and seabed quarrying projects in Manila Bay, saying the activities threaten the marine ecosystem and survival of the people in the area. | janebautistaINQ /PDI
Read more »
Fires hit plastics factory in QC, residential area in Binondo, ManilaTwo fires broke out in Metro Manila before dawn on Monday, one in Quezon City and one in Manila.
Read more »
BLACKPINK to add more tickets for Manila concertBlinks, this is not a drill! Additional tickets will be available for purchase for BLACKPINK World Tour in Manila (Bulacan).
Read more »
YG Entertainment closes application for Manila audition early due to high number of aspirantsThe Korean music company also adds another audition day in Manila, but walk-in applicants are no longer allowed.
Read more »
LOOK: Harry Styles spotted at a Makati mall ahead of his Manila concertImagine casually bumping into HarryStyles at the mall. 🤩 | via philstarlife
Read more »