Court dismisses sixth “show cause” motion against private prosecutor

CMFR/Philippines – The Court hearing the cases against the alleged perpetrators of the Ampatuan Massacre dismissed on 30 June 2014 the sixth motion for a “show cause” order filed by accused Andal “Unsay” Ampatuan Jr. against private prosecutor Nena Santos.

Unsay Ampatuan asked Branch 221 of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court to order Santos to explain why she should not be cited for contempt for her statements in her TV interviews on 11 August 2010.  Unsay through his lawyers alleged that Santos violated the sub judice rule.

The sub judice rule prohibits the airing or publication of views and information tending to influence the outcome of a hearing or trial.

Santos represents the families of 25 massacre victims, including Maguindanao provincial governor Esmael Mangudadatu, husband of victim Genalyn Mangudadatu and political rival of the Ampatuan family.

Santos in her interviews stated that the defense panel “got a lash” when they listed former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as a defense witness and that the Ampatuans used government funds to gain power. Mrs. Arroyo, said Santos, was angered by the defense’s including her among its witnesses.

The Court, ruling for Santos, said that her statements “would not prejudge any issue nor influence the proceedings or obstruct the administration of justice in these cases.”

Fifty-eight persons including 32 journalists and media workers were killed in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao province in a single incident of election-related violence on 23 November 2009.