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You are just a few clicks away from making 124871, May 13, 2004. Hopefully, if they will surface, public pressure will snowball and I will finally get the justice I am looking for, he said. Kaya laban lang tayo. The Vizconde massacre made headlines in the Philippines in the '90s and started a trend in filmmaking. 150 likes. But both the RTC and the CA rejected his defence ruling that his alibi cannot stand against Alfaros positive identification of him as the rapist and killer. Evid. I stand by my story. Similar to the accused in the Vizconde case, all the accused in the Abadilla case invoked their defence of alibi. She had been hanging around that agency for sometime as a stool pigeon, one paid for mixing up with criminals and squealing on them. De Lima said they could still go after Filart and Ventura, as well as the Villadolid brothers, since the prescriptive period of 20 years for homicide does not apply to them because they were abroad. 1. Their claims were corroborated by witnesses who are disinterested parties, their relatives and friends and documentary evidence. [56][62][63][64] Dang claimed to have heard Dong Villadolid shouting at the top of his voice, saying they had raped and killed a certain Maria (presumed to be Maria Carmela Vizconde) and other persons. With the exception of Filart and Ventura who had been convicted in absentia the men were acquitted by the Supreme Court on December 14, 2010 for failure of the prosecution to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Who does forget the heart-crushing 1991 Visconde massacre, with Jessica Alfaro standing as the star witness, whistle-blowing the details how these young men before, coming from our society's influential families, killed Mang Lauro's wife and his two daughters. Yes, but what can I do (?). She took advantage of her familiarity with these details to include in her testimony. Thus the SC decision on the Vizconde massacre is flawed, Paguia averred, citing a portion of Fortich v. Corona, 312 SCRA 751, at 758 where the SC itself ruled that unless the minimum number of EIGHT votes for a majority is attained there is no decision to speak of, therefore the release order of the Webb group should not have been signed. Estrellita, Carmela and Jennifer Vizconde. Allan (surname intentionally omitted), stepfather of a 16-year-old girl who was nearly raped by a neighbor, went with his daughter to the police station in San Jose, Batangas recently to file a complaint. [53], Lauro Vizconde, family patriarch and the founding president of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption, died on February 13, 2016, at the age of 77. While the SC rejected Alfaros testimony being not a credible witness, it held Alejo still a credible witness despite the inconsistencies in his testimony. Francisco Kit Hernandez celebrated Mass. I will continue to play that role as long as I live. The story of the Vizconde Massacre wasn't just a single story; it varied as told by a number of witnesses. I stood my ground because I had all the facts in my hand. All rights are reserved. One of the justices, Roberto Abad, who dissented the majority decision affirming the guilty verdict wrote: the public prosecutor chose instead to allow the Abadillas, who had an interest in Alejos testimony, to make him dependent on them for his livelihood at least for the duration of the trial of the case. Hong Kong Ateneo law professor Alan Paguia: "The order of release is questionable as it appears to be undemocratic. Estrellita, 47, had suffered thirteen stab wounds; Carmela, 18, had suffered seventeen stab wounds and had been raped before she was killed; and Jennifer, 7, had nineteen stab . Villarama noted that the alleged Passport, Passenger Manifest of United Airlines Flight and United Airline ticket of accused Webb offered in evidence were mere photocopies of an alleged original, which were never presented. He also ordered the Secretary of Justice Leila de Lima to study the possibility of giving compensation to Webb and others. Forensic evidence: In Vizconde case it cannot lie, in Abadilla case it is inconclusive. By providing an email address. SC slams 'unbelievable' testimony of Vizconde massacre witness. Webbs son, Hubert Jeffrey, is also the brother of a television host, Pinky, in one of the largest television networks in the country. Am I dismayed by the decision of the (Supreme Court)? The prescription period does not matter to me, its just a date, he said. Equal protection of the law is fundamental in the countrys Constitution. It is said that being elected president is a gift from God. [29], The court also held that the testimony of the Webb's maid, Mila Gaviola, was also unreliable since she was not able to distinguish if it was Hubert whom she saw on June 30, 1991, nor "did she remember any of the details that happened in the household on the other days". For example, it rejected as not impartial the corroborating testimony of Augusto Santoss brother-in-law that he was at the hospital with him when Abadilla was murdered. She said the US-based defense witnesses, most of whom are relatives or friends of the Webb family suffered from "incorrigible and selective memory syndrome". Seven justices based its decision on the following points: Webb, citing Brady v. Maryland, said "that he is entitled to outright acquittal on the ground of violation of his right to due process given the States failure to produce on order of the Court either by negligence or willful suppression the semen specimen taken from Carmela." Like the accused in the Vizconde case and for any other cases for that matter, the accused in the Abadilla murder case also deserve equal protection of the law. The SC rendered its judgment on the Abadilla case on September 7 and on the Vizconde case on December 14 of this year [2010]. I did that hoping to make them have second thoughts about doing so,.There is no justice in the Philippines. Knowing this, I cannot but hesitate to swallow everything that Alejo said at the trial. On June 30, 1991, Estrellita Vizconde and her two daughters: Carmela and Jennifer, were found lifeless inside their home in Paraaque. Even if we were denied justice, I consoled them that at least people already know what really happened, he said. The court also said the same for the issue of the garage light: she claimed that Ventura climbed the car's hood, using a chair, to turn the light off. Webb had presented the alibi that he was in the United States when the crime was committed, but he was still found guilty by the Paraaque Regional Trial Court. Like Herbas, court records had also shown that Alejo has been receiving money and free accommodation from the Abadillas. Similar to the Vizconde case, the five accused made a defence of alibi claiming that they were somewhere else on June 13, 1996 when the murder of Abadilla happened. Sources from the Department of Justice said Webb, who was acquitted by the Supreme Court last December, 2010, was in the country during and after the crime happened in . God would be stupid to borrow Digongs words if He gifts him the vice presidency the second time around. Anyone can be paid! VIZCONDE MASSACRE CASE: This case is about the gang rape and murder of a 19-year-old woman, the murder of her 7-year-old sister and their mother on June 30, 1991 at their home in Paranaque City, Metro Manila. Fax: +(852) 2698 6367, Copyright 2023 Asian Human Rights Commission. The NBI is a special investigating body attached to the DoJ. 176389 / G.R. The High Court put to question the quality of the testamentary evidence furnished by the witnesses. De Lima also said seven new witnesses claimed they saw Webb in the country during the months of April, May and June 1991. In the said stockroom, there is a small door going to Hubert's room and in that door there is a small opening where she used to see Hubert and his friends sniffing on something. From there she allegedly saw Lejano and Ventura take a knife from the kitchen drawer, while the rest of the gang acted as lookouts. 132577 People of the Philippines vs. Hubert Jeffrey P. Webb, 1999, G.R. starring Kris Aquino as Carmela Vizconde. The Supreme Court acquitted them on Dec. 14, 2010. I found this As of yesterday, police had arrested and filed criminal charges against six fraternity members suspected to have beaten to death John Matthew Salilig in a twisted concept ofbrotherhood. On January 4, 2000, the Regional Trial Court of Paranaque City rendered its judgement finding all the accused guilty as charged imposing a penalty of life imprisonment. Methinks one year would give Eleazar ample time impose his brand of discipline on one of the most undisciplined police forces in the world. Remember that death is the ultimate equalizer. 185123/G.R. So, some sectors are calling for Eleazars extension until after the May 2022 elections. Hubert and his co-accused were convicted by the Paraaque Regional Trial Court for the crime on June 6, 2000. 176864), it became one of the most sensational cases in the Philippines, being described as a "trial of the century". To find out more, please click this link. [17], On January 6, 2000, Judge Tolentino rendered her decision, finding Hubert Webb, Peter Estrada, Hospicio Fernandez, Michael Gatchalian, Antonio Lejano II and Miguel Rodriguez guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of rape with homicide. No two persons have the same DNA fingerprint, with the exception of identical twins. Her mother, Estrellita, 47, and sister, Jennifer, 7, were also killed. G.R. [52] On June 14, 2011, Hubert Webb filed a P180,000 compensation claim for "unlawful conviction" for the Vizconde massacre. ), Among evidence that was not admitted by Judge Tolentino, was the note verbale from the United States Embassy in Manila claiming that Webb entered the United States in March 1991 and left in October 1992. No. The case remained unsolved for almost four years until eyewitness, Jessica Alfaro Testified that Hubert Webb is the lead suspect and responsible of the crime committed. I got involved in the case after Webb told me Hubert, whose name was slowly cropping up in news reports as a prime suspect, was in the United States when the dastardly crime happened. It cannot be coached or allured by a promise of reward or financial support. This is a violation of the duty of state." But Custodio admits this may be easier said than done. This column will tackle various topics on the days it will come out: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. I incurred the ire of the citizenry, including some of my fellow columnists in theInquirer,for my defense of Hubert. Among the defense witnesses was Artemio Sacaguing, a former, now deceased NBI official who testified that Alfaro was an NBI asset who only volunteered to assume the role of the eyewitness when she could not produce the actual witness to the Vizconde killings. At about 4 a.m. on June 30, 1991, Gaviola woke up and entered the bedrooms to get the Webb's dirty laundry and wash it as part of her job. Theyre projecting Digong as a feeble old man still seeking power. [13][14], Other prosecution witnesses were: Carlos J. Cristobal who alleged that on March 9, 1991, he was a passenger of United Airlines Flight No. Vizconde is clinging to the hope that even if this period ended Thursday, more concerned citizens will approach the National Bureau of Investigation to corroborate claims made by new witnesses that Webb was seen in BF Homes, Paraaque City, at the time of the murders. The details of how they were killed were grim. Webb's testimony was also contradicted by other US-based defense witnesses who said they usually saw him "going to the beach, malling, bar-hopping or playing basketball. Eleazar, a strict disciplinarian, is probably the only PNP chief who is loved and respected by the citizenry. The readers will notice soon enough the brevity of each topic. With Romeo Vasquez, Elizabeth Oropesa, Robert Arevalo, Tommy Abuel. 127262 Hubert Webb, et al. Connections Followed by The Untold Story: Vizconde Massacre II - May the Lord Be with Us! Secondly, the SC affirmed the CAs assertion that Alejo was a credible witness ignoring the questions to his credibility by arguing that: positive and unequivocal declaration is sufficient to support a conviction for murder against appellants. Webb presented certifications from the U.S. Immigration but he failed to submit as evidence in court the original copy of his passport with immigration entry stamped on it. The SC identified the inconsistencies and the incredible facts in Alfaros testimony: her claim that Hubert Jeffrey Webb and Carmela Vizconde had a relationship; that Carmela had another lover whom she met just before Hubert came to her home and that she saw in open the five other accused taking turns in raping Carmela. due to "overwhelming evidence that showed Webb and the other accused had conspired to rape Carmela and, in the process, kill her and the rest of the family." Former Paraaque policeman Gerardo Biong was found guilty as an accessory for burning bedsheets and tampering with other evidence in the crime. For example, the prosecutor, instead of admitting Alejo to the WPP during trial, rather chose instead to allow the Abadillas, who had an interest in Alejos testimony, to make him dependent on them for his livelihood at least for the duration of the trial of the case. Powered by, Appendix: Case analysis: Supreme Courts rulings on Vizconde and Abadilla cases are contradictory, http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2010/december2010/176389.htm, http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2010/september2010/182555.htm, http://campaigns.ahrchk.net/abadilla5/docs/A5-FinalAppealPetition.pdf, http://campaigns.ahrchk.net/abadilla5/docs/A5-CAdecision.pdf. [12] (Under Philippine law, generally, alibi is the weakest defense, especially where there is direct testimony of an eyewitness, duly corroborated by another. But, unlike the house robbers, however the court points out that "Webb and his friends did not have anything to do in a darkened garage. 16:53. The women were found dead with multiple stab wounds and no witnesses, murder weapons or motive have been uncovered. Those initially jailed for. Your subscription could not be saved. [48] Other witnesses say Webb was in the Philippines at the time of the murders. The Truth about Mendiola Massacre - Philippine True Crime Stories | Martin Rules. The defense questioned Alfaro's credibility noting that she admitted to being under the influence of drugs when she allegedly witnessed the crime and had made inconsistent statements on her two affidavits. Copyright 2023. The case was featured on a Philippine TV show Case Unclosed as its ninth episode, "Vizconde Massacre Case. Carpio testified for the defense during the trial. The remains of his wife and daughters were also exhumed from their grave at Holy Cross Memorial Park in Quezon City and transferred to his grave. The SCs decision in acquitting all the accused in the Vizconde case has fundamental contradictions to its earlier decision affirming the guilty verdict of the accused in the Abadilla case. [60] Mario, a hair stylist during the period June 1991, testified that Webb, along with Tony Boy Lejano and Dong Ventura had their haircut. This is one of the most controversial and widely publicised massacre cases because of the involvement of the son of a former Philippine . Vizconde Massacre Case Digest - Philippine True Crime Stories | Martin Rules. No. (P.S. Under the law, prosecutors of a murder case are given 20 years from the time it occurred or the time it was discovered to identify suspects and charge them in court. Indeed, if the accused is truly innocent, he can have no other defense but denial and alibi. We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Based on my findings, I defended Hubert in my column and in my radio and TV programs. Sign up now! I can't express enough how sad and unjust today's story. The SCs decision affirming the guilty verdict by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Quezon City on the Abadilla Five, the five men accused in the murder of police colonel Rolando Abadilla on June 13, 1996, is already the subject of a final appeal filed on October 8, 2010. [18], In her decision, Tolentino described the testimony of defense witnesses as full of inconsistencies and biased. One of the important pieces of evidence, which I presented to the court later, was the copy of an invoice issued to Hubert Webb on coincidence of coincidences! Justice Villarama argued that a photocopy of Webbs passport in court to support his alibi and the testimonies of witnesses, mostly his relatives and friends, could not be given merit, by cautioning his fellow justices that it can be gleaned from the fact that passports and plane tickets indicating dates of arrival and departure do not necessarily prove that the very same person actually took the flight and added that indeed, alibi cannot be sustained where it is not only without credible corroboration, but also where it does not, on its face, demonstrate the physical impossibility of the accuseds presence at the place and time of the commission of the crime. [30], In three separate occasions, police authorities mistakenly arrested persons they believed to be suspect Joey Filart: a namesake in August 1995, the same person again in February 2000, and a person from Compostela Valley in March 2000. CONCLUSION: The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is deeply concerned by this unequal application of jurisprudence by the SC on the Abadilla murder and the Vizconde massacre. The Vizconde Massacre. The Vizconde murder case, colloquially known as the Vizconde massacre, was the multiple homicide of members of the Vizconde family on June 30, 1991 at their residence at 80 Vinzons Street, BF Homes, Paraaque, Metro Manila, Philippines.