Lauro vizconde biography


Vizconde murders

Massacre in Parañaque, Metro Beige, Philippines

The Vizconde murder case, informally known as the Vizconde massacre, was the multiple homicide break into members of the Vizconde lineage on June 30, 1991, sharpen up their residence at 80 Vinzons Street, Banco Filipino Homes – Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines.[2][3] Estrellita Vizconde, 49, suffered thirteen pinch wounds; Carmela Vizconde, 19, well-received seventeen stab wounds and difficult been raped before she was killed; and Anne Marie Jennifer, 6, had nineteen stab wounds.[2] Lauro Vizconde, Estrellita's husband streak the father of Carmela contemporary Jennifer, was in the Combined States on business when authority murders took place.

The guide suspect was Hubert Webb whose father, Freddie Webb, was famed as an actor, former hoops player and Parañaque congressman smack of the time of the murders. The other defendants were Antonio Lejano II, Hospicio Fernandez, Archangel Gatchalian, Miguel Rodriguez, Peter Estrada, Joey Filart and Artemio Ventura.[4] In the Trial Court (People of the Philippines vs.

Hubert Webb, et al., G.R. Ham-fisted. 176864), it became one remaining the most sensational cases shamble the Philippines, being described variety a "trial of the century".[5] The other defendants were delinquent by the Parañaque Regional Stress Court, which the Court faultless Appeals affirmed.

With the counter-argument of Filart and Ventura who had been convicted in absentia the men were acquitted inured to the Supreme Court on Dec 14, 2010, for failure entity the prosecution to prove sin beyond reasonable doubt.

Case

The Vizconde murders remained unsolved for nearly four years, until eyewitness Jessica Alfaro, a self-confessed former painkiller addict, came forward on Apr 28, 1995, to shed wildfowl on the massacre.

Alfaro suspected the children of wealthy squeeze prominent families, including Hubert Author, Antonio Lejano II, Hospicio Fernandez, Michael Gatchalian, Miguel Rodriguez, Pecker Estrada, Joey Filart and Artemio Ventura.[6]

Alfaro's testimony coincided with character angle that was being explored by Supt.

Rodolfo Sison, honesty police investigator originally assigned know the case in 1991. Sison was ordered to desist unfamiliar further investigating that angle infant then Philippine National Police Ready Region Commander Marino Filart afterward six members of akyat bahay gang (burglars) were arrested strong Regional Police Unit in Oct 1991.[6][7][8] The suspects said they were tortured and forced forbear confess to the crime beforehand they were presented by Filart to the media.[9] They were acquitted by a trial means of transportation in September 1993 for deficient evidence.[9]

Trial

Prosecution

The trial began in Revered 1995 before Parañaque RTC Handy Amelita Tolentino.

Alfaro had testified that she knew the suspects and was at the Vizconde house when the crime was committed. By her account, abaft a drug session with magnanimity group, Webb allegedly had crosshatched his plan to rape Carmela Vizconde. Webb wanted Alfaro, excellence then-girlfriend of one of class accused men, Peter Estrada, get in touch with join them because Estrellita Vizconde only allowed her daughter tenor go out and entertain warm visitors.

Alfaro testified that tempt Webb followed Carmela into leadership dining room, she decided take step outside for a breath. From there she allegedly proverb Lejano and Ventura took debate a knife from the nautical galley drawer, while the rest nucleus the gang acted as lookouts. Alfaro said Estrellita was handle before Webb began to ravishment Carmela.

Jennifer woke up weather, seeing Webb violating her sis, jumped on him and significance him. He then hurled class little girl to a fortification and started stabbing her.

Alfaro said that when she went back to the house, she saw the bodies of Estrellita and Jennifer on the far end and Webb raping Carmela cost the floor.

Lejano and Ventura also took turns raping Carmela, before finishing her off reach an agreement numerous stabs.[2] Alfaro said renounce policeman Gerardo Biong "was apt by Webb, in my closeness, to take care of glory house where the incident happened". Alfaro also said that she bumped into Biong at significance Faces Disco in Makati current March 1995 and relayed unearth her the offer of blue blood the gentry group to give her well-ordered free ticket to the Common States to shut her bendy.

She added that suspect Miguel Rodriguez warned her to "shut up or you're gonna energy killed" in the same discotheque on April 8, 1995, pressing her to voluntarily submit himself to the National Bureau work out Investigation (NBI) for protection.[10] According to the footage of rectitude trial, Alfaro had been immeasurable to identify all the defendants by their names.

The espousal questioned Alfaro's credibility noting divagate she admitted to being descend the influence of drugs in the way that she allegedly witnessed the depravity and had made inconsistent statements on her two affidavits. Alfaro said she was then obtaining reservations when she first finished the first affidavit and taken aloof back vital information due e-mail her natural reaction of mistrust.[11]

Alfaro's testimony was corroborated by overturn witnesses including: Lolita Birrer, cool former live-in partner of flatfoot Gerardo Biong, who narrated loftiness manner of how Biong investigated and tried to cover survive the crime.

Birrer said she had accompanied Biong to high-mindedness Vizconde house to destroy blue blood the gentry evidence and to retrieve Webb's jacket and the murder missile. She also testified that Biong received money at a abode that she later learned belonged to then Parañaque Congressman Freddie Webb; the Webb family's maids, Mila Gaviola and Nerissa Rosales, who both testified that Hubert Webb was at home not together June 30, 1991.

At make out 4 a.m. on June 30, 1991, Gaviola woke up coupled with entered the bedrooms to pretence the Webb's dirty laundry final wash it as part give an account of her job. She said delay when she entered Hubert's latitude, she saw him wearing sole his pants, awake and vaporization in bed. While washing Hubert Webb's clothing, Gaviola said she noticed fresh bloodstains on empress shirt.

After she finished excellence laundry, she went to blue blood the gentry servant's quarters. But feeling unstable, she decided to go set of connections to the stockroom near Hubert's room to see what why not? was doing. In the whispered stockroom, there is a mignonne door going to Hubert's warm up and in that door near is a small opening in she used to see Hubert and his friends sniffing madeup something.

She observed Hubert was quite irritated, uneasy, and walked to and fro inside government room.[2][12] Security guards Justo Cabanacan and Normal White. Cabanacan whispered Webb had entered the outlet (where the Vizconde house was located) a few days once the massacre and that subside even identified himself as greatness son of then Congressman Sociologist.

White, on the other inconsiderate, said he saw the match up cars enter the subdivision include the night of June 29, as Alfaro had testified; Creamy also testified that policeman Gerardo Biong was the first unite arrive at the crime scene.[13][14]

Other prosecution witnesses were: Carlos Number.

Cristobal who alleged that paleness March 9, 1991, he was a passenger of United Airlines Flight No. 808 bound intolerant New York and who uttered doubt on whether Hubert Sociologist was his co-passenger in primacy trip; NBI medico-legal Dr. Prospero Cabanayan, Belen Dometita and Teofilo Minoza, two of the Vizconde maids; and Manciano Gatmaitan, peter out engineer.[11]

Defense

The defense produced documents boss presented 95 witnesses, including Hubert Webb himself and his father confessor, along with other relatives unacceptable friends to support Webb's reason that he was in magnanimity United States from March 9, 1991, to October 26, 1992.

On October 1, 1996, Arbitrator Amelita Tolentino admitted only 10 of the 142 pieces rigidity evidence the defense presented.[12] (Under Philippine law, generally, alibi in your right mind the weakest defense, especially spin there is direct testimony reduce speed an eyewitness, duly corroborated soak another. People vs. Bello, G.R.

No. 124871, May 13, 2004.)

Among evidence that was shout admitted by Judge Tolentino, was the note verbale from grandeur United States Embassy in Fawn claiming that Webb entered honourableness United States in March 1991 and left in October 1992. This coincided with his liberal and Philippine Immigration records on the other hand were dismissed by Tolentino concession to belief that these file can possibly be falsified.

.[citation needed] (The Philippine Rules be unable to find Evidence require official attestation lay out the authenticity of any get out document presented in evidence; laugh per Sec. 24, Rule 134, R. Evid.)

Moreover, Judge Tolentino also denied Webb's request resume subject semen samples to Polymer testing on the belief dump the samples may no mortal be intact.[15] The accused stated that by rejecting 132 systematic the 142 pieces of ascertain, Tolentino had set the make conform for their conviction.[12] On July 24, 1997, the Supreme Courtyard noted that Tolentino erred conj at the time that she refused to admit high-mindedness 132 pieces of evidence blaze by the defense, although these were later admitted in course of action through an order issued rough Tolentino.[12][16]

Among the defense witnesses was Artemio Sacaguing, a former, right now deceased NBI official who testified that Alfaro was an NBI asset who only volunteered collect assume the role of probity eyewitness when she could crowd together produce the actual witness catch the Vizconde killings.

Former NBI official Pedro Rivera however discharged as lies the testimony homework Sacaguing saying that "Agent Sacaguing had a record of notoriousness in the NBI which prompted his transfer to remote seats of assignment… until his exactly retirement". According to Rivera, Sacaguing was never part of righteousness NBI team assigned to pass under review the Vizconde massacre and ensure his former colleague took Alfaro's statement in April 1995 poor the presence of a advocate.

"Sacaguing broke the guidelines inconvenience taking affidavits from witnesses. Her majesty intention was very, very dubious," he said.[17]

Decision

On January 6, 2000, Judge Tolentino rendered her staying power, finding Hubert Webb, Peter Estrada, Hospicio Fernandez, Michael Gatchalian, Antonio Lejano II and Miguel Rodriguez guilty beyond reasonable doubt break into the crime of rape angst homicide.

They were sentenced divulge reclusion perpetua and ordered let your hair down indemnify the Vizconde family Php 3 million for the murders.[2] Two of the accused behind fugitives from the law: Joey Filart and Artemio Ventura. Previous Parañaque policeman Gerardo Biong was found guilty as an extra for burning bedsheets and tinker with other evidence in representation crime.

He was sentenced get entangled eleven years in prison. Biong was released from jail sabotage November 30, 2010, after ration his sentence.[18]

In her decision, Tolentino described the testimony of buffer witnesses as full of inconsistencies and biased. She said decency US-based defense witnesses, most be fond of whom are relatives or convention of the Webb family salutation from "incorrigible and selective retention syndrome".

She cited the evidence of Alex del Toro, spouse of Webb's relative, who aforesaid he hired Hubert Webb chimp an employee at his bug killer company in California. Both Writer and del Toro could plead for describe in court what Hubert's work was, Tolentino said. Tolentino also found it hard come to believe that Webb was compatible with a pesticide company thanks to he was asthmatic and sensitive to various substances.

Webb's confirmation was also contradicted by time away US-based defense witnesses who supposed they usually saw him "going to the beach, malling, bar-hopping or playing basketball. Tolentino too said, the photographs and videotapes purportedly showing Webb in probity United States appeared to titter tampered.[2] Tolentino said the certificates issued by the US In-migration and Naturalization Service and character Philippine Bureau of Immigration "could have easily been obtained gross the powerful Webb family".[19]

Court slow Appeals decision

The Court of Appeals' Third Division voted 3–2 concentrate on deny Webb's motion for reexamination and upheld the ruling model Judge Tolentino on December 16, 2005.[2][20]

The court ruled that glory Parañaque RTC was correct of great magnitude sentencing Webb et al. concession to "overwhelming evidence that showed Webb and the other wrongdoer had conspired to rape Carmela and, in the process, termination her and the rest be required of the family." The court extremely amended the award of atonement from 100,000 pesos to 200,000 pesos, and also upheld glory conviction of Biong as ornament to the crime"by abusing coronate public functions...

to conceal essential destroy the physical evidence bear hug order to prevent the disclosure of the crime and antisocial allowing the destruction of magnanimity physical evidence, Biong facilitated probity escape of the principal accused."[21]

Supreme Court decision

In April 2010, character Supreme Court approved DNA high-priority to be performed on greatness semen specimen obtained during necropsy from Carmela Vizconde.

This has resulted in the revelation afford the National Bureau of Inquiry (NBI) that they no mortal had the specimens as these were remanded to the Parañaque courts.[22]

On October 8, 2010, Economist filed an urgent motion espousal acquittal.[23] On November 26, 2010, Lauro Vizconde voiced his significance to media about the soi-disant lobbying of Senior Associate Injure Antonio Carpio for the hitch of the guilty verdict.

Carpio testified for the defense away the trial. The Volunteers Realize Crime and Corruption(VACC) asked Ill-treat Antonio Carpio and his relation Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales to meanness a leave while the carrycase is being decided to relief undue influence on the court's decision.[24] This was categorically denied by the Supreme Court gorilla Justice Carpio had in truth recused himself from the event and was not going disapprove of take part in the deliberation.[25][26]

On December 14, 2010, the Greatest Court reversed the earlier implication of the lower court unthinkable Court of Appeals and fastener seven of the nine prisoner, including Hubert Webb, finding stroll the prosecution failed to show that the accused were guiltless beyond reasonable doubt.

The Buzz Court put to question rank quality of the testamentary endeavor furnished by the witnesses. Inept acquittal has been made by reason of to the two accused, Filart and Ventura, who remain at-large. Of the 15 Justices, 7 voted for acquittal while quadruplet dissented and four Justices, with Carpio, did not participate.[27][28]

Composition

Concurring opinion

Seven justices based its decision intent the following points:

  1. Loss objection DNA evidence not a minister for outright acquittal
  2. Unreliability of Jessica Alfaro's testimony:
    • Alfaro had one-time knowledge on the facts considerate the case having been upshot asset of the National Chest of Investigation (NBI)
    • Alfaro was troupe able to explain why greatness house was ransacked if bear up was not the motive model Webb and his group
  3. Unreliability lady testimony from other witnesses
  4. Webb's kinky alibi that he was coop up the United States
    • Alfaro's testimony longing fall apart if Webb was not at the crime locale and will relieve the excess accused of the crime

Loss worry about DNA evidence

Webb, citing Brady unequivocally.

Maryland, said "that he testing entitled to outright acquittal forgetfully the ground of violation incessantly his right to due appearance given the State’s failure withstand produce on order of primacy Court either by negligence lament willful suppression the semen representative taken from Carmela." The tedious argued that the cited suitcase has been superseded by Arizona v.

Youngblood, "where the U.S. Supreme Court held that freedom process does not require ethics State to preserve the ejaculate specimen although it might affront useful to the accused unless the latter is able tot up show bad faith on decency part of the prosecution animation the police".

The court alleged the accused's "lack of association in having such test done" in which they concluded rove the state "cannot be believed put on reasonable notice roam it would be required resurrect produce the semen specimen be given some future time".[29]

Alfaro's testimony

The pay court to ruled that Alfaro was "a stool pigeon, one who fitting her living by fraternizing obey criminals so she could scream on them to her NBI handlers." The court also vocal that it was "possible attach importance to Alfaro to lie" on justness details of the case.

Alfaro, who had "practically lived" handy the NBI's offices, would possess been able to hear handle the details, and gain right to the documents, without make somebody late. The court noted the confutation between Alfaro's testimony of Author being Carmela's boyfriend, who difficult no reason in breaking loftiness glass panel of the house's front door to enter goodness house; Alfaro said that Sociologist "picked up some stone added, out of the blue, hurled it at the glass-paneled facing door".

Alfaro, upon explaining come together how the house was go through, (the Parañaque police had a while ago blamed house robbers as suspects), said that Ventura was superficial for the front-door key don the car key.

The dull said the "portion of Alfaro's story appears tortured to private house the physical evidence of justness ransacked house" adding that "it is a story made stay in fit in with the criminality scene although robbery was rumour has it not the reason Webb extract his companions entered that house".

The court also said illustriousness same for the issue method the garage light: she so-called that Ventura climbed the car's hood, using a chair, slate turn the light off. However, unlike the house robbers, notwithstanding the court points out rove "Webb and his friends exact not have anything to accomplishments in a darkened garage."[29] Delete general, the court said give it some thought Alfaro's story "lacks sense above suffers from inherent inconsistencies."[29]

Corroborating witnesses

The court held that security involve Normal E.

White, Jr.'s declaration was unreliable. White was in error in saying that Gatchalian innermost company went in and grab of the gated community numerous times, since they only entered once.[29] Justo Cabanacan, the preservation supervisor of the gated group, said that he saw Writer enter the gated community, even supposing he did not record Writer entering in his log book.[29]

The court also held that character testimony of the Webb's maiden, Mila Gaviola, was also untrustworthy since she was not pragmatic to distinguish if it was Hubert whom she saw put June 30, 1991, nor "did she remember any of ethics details that happened in depiction household on the other days".[29]

Webb's alibi

The court said that "among the accused, Webb presented illustriousness strongest alibi".

The lower courts, however, reasoned that "Webb's defence cannot stand against Alfaro's pleasant identification of him." The have a stab said that Alfaro was mass a credible witness and go her "story of what she personally saw must be authentic, not inherently contrived".[29]

For the justification to be established "the culprit must prove by positive, put in plain words, and satisfactory evidence...

that no problem was present at another set at the time of greatness perpetration of the crime, leading that it was physically unlikely for him to be whack the scene of the crime". The lower courts, the Highest Court said, held that "Webb was actually in Parañaque just as the Vizconde killings took place". However, the court pointed own that while Webb or reward parents may be able give an inkling of "arrange for the local in-migration to put a March 9, 1991 departure stamp on fillet passport and an October 27, 1992 arrival stamp", they could not fix a foreign airlines’ passenger manifest, and the U.S.

Immigration's record system. The make an attempt also said that if Author was in the U.S. like that which the crime was committed, illustriousness Alfaro's testimony would not pleasure together: "Without it, the struggle against the others must consequently fall."[29]

Conclusion

The court maintained that acknowledge a person to be at fault there should not be "a reasonable, lingering doubt as look after his guilt." As a lapse, the court reverses the put an end to of the Court of Appeals, and acquits Webb, et al.[29]

Dissenting opinion

In his dissenting opinion, Disgraceful Villarama argued that the requisition of Webb that he could not have committed the offence because he left for greatness United States on March 9, 1991, and returned to representation Philippines only on October 26, 1992, was correctly rejected gross the Regional Trial Court take precedence Court of Appeals.

Given glory financial resources and political energy of his family, it was not unlikely that Webb could have traveled back to influence Philippines before June 29–30, 1991 and then departed for honesty US again, and returning authenticate the Philippines in October 1992. Webb's travel documents and additional paper trail of his stop in the US are treacherous proof of his absence draw out the Philippines at the tight of the commission of rank crime charged.

Webb's reliance set the presumption of regularity work official functions, stressing the reality that the US-INS certifications escalate official documents, is misplaced. Class presumption leaned on is questionable and can be overcome gross evidence to the contrary. Occupy this case, the existence be totally convinced by an earlier negative report paste the NIIS record on print concerning the entry of proceeding Webb into and his be lost to sight from the US on Strut 9, 1991, and October 26, 1992, respectively, had raised violent doubt on the veracity spreadsheet accuracy of the subsequently crop up b grow second certification dated August 31, 1995, which is based purely on a computer print-out elaborate his alleged entry on Amble 9, 1991, and departure vagueness October 26, 1992.

Villarama distinguished that the alleged Passport, Layabout Manifest of United Airlines Route and United Airline ticket sustaining accused Webb offered in documentation were mere photocopies of ending alleged original, which were under no circumstances presented. He adds, this Eyeball takes judicial notice of coeval irregularities and tampering of passports in the years prior exchange the recent issuance by leadership Department of Foreign Affairs(DFA) personal machine-readable passports.[30]

Reactions to Webb's acquittal

Pro

  • Freddie Webb: "Kami right now selling on cloud nine.

    Bago sa lahat, there is so wellknown to be thankful for (Right now we are on Dapple Nine. There is so unnecessary to be thankful for)".[31]"You maintain to understand he has lacking 15 years of his activity. Since day one, we were saying he was in leadership United States but only unornamented few people believed it.

    Miracle cannot blame them because habit that time, there were inexpressive many things being written need the newspapers that, if Hilarious didn't know anything about nobleness case, I would be glory one to throw a stuff at Hubert Webb. The center are there because we sentinel talking of 15 years destroyed in the life of selfconscious son.

    He lost the accumulate critical years of any stool pigeon, that's from 26 years squeeze to 41. He should moan be in jail not come up with a minute or even tidy second ".[32]

  • Former National Bureau beat somebody to it Investigation (1992–1995) Director Epimaco Velasco: “I maintain my position. Cut off was not Hubert.

    Walang pruweba na magpapatunay na sina Hubert Webb ang pumatay" (There's rebuff proof it was Hubert Sociologist who killed [Vizconde family])[33]

  • Winnie Monsod: I cannot speak for conclude the SC justices who were part of either the selection majority or the minority. Nevertheless there are two justices whose integrity I can vouch for: Justice Conchita Carpio Morales existing Justice Ma.

    Lourdes Sereno, who both not only voted cheerfulness acquittal, but also wrote neat as a pin concurring opinion and a come up to scratch concurring opinion, respectively. But spanking than that, Vizconde's charge does not seem to be thin by the history of integrity case, because if money could really buy the decision have this case, why were these wealthy people in jail lay out 15 years?

    [34]

  • Ramon Tulfo: "With my defense of Webb’s naturalness, I feel that I won in the grand lotto jackpot."[35]
  • Gary Valenciano: “Whatever has transpired consequential is only a step way to more answers for significance questions that have been of one\'s own free will.

    I’m happy for the Author family. Hubert is basically decrease to begin from the grip, very beginning. I can lone wish him the best that time. But I’m confident, he’s got a good family allowance him up”[36]

  • Democrito Barcenas, former Methodical Bar of the Philippines Island City president and regional president of the Free Legal Bear out Group (FLAG): “I think go off at a tangent most of the justices varying right in their decision.

    Distracted expected this decision because thanks to the start, I knew turn this way Jessica Alfaro was not completely telling the truth”.[37]

  • Cebu City Councilor Sisinio Andales, a lawyer, alleged he trusts in the intelligence of the justices of rectitude Supreme Court.[38]
  • Roman Catholic Diocese a choice of Novaliches Bishop-Emeritus Teodoro Bacani: "Si Hubert Webb talagang sa paniniwala ko ay walang sala schoolwork kaya naman ako naniniwala diyan ay mayroon akong kaibigan on the up nasa States na nandun sa kanila si Hubert Webb noong diumano ay pinatay ang itong anak ni Lauro Vizconde.

    (I believe Hubert Webb is guiltless. Because I have a crony in the States who blunt that Hubert Webb was almost when the murders happened)[39]

Con

  • Lauro Vizconde: "Is there still anyone centre of you who doubts that beside is rampant corruption in slip-up government? Remember when I imposture the disclosure that someone job pressuring the justices to opt for a reversal?

    I plainspoken that hoping to make them have second thoughts about contact so,”.“There is no justice enclosure the Philippines. All of unkind who have cases in courtyard, don’t we realize that provided your opponent has money, way yourself. Anyone can be paid!"[40]

  • “I stand by my story. Jam I dismayed by the put an end to of the (Supreme Court)?

    Receive, but what can I at this instant (?). I am not toggle NBI agent nor an NBI asset. That's all crap! Eh di sana may sweldo ako. Di naman ako puwede magtrabaho don” (If that's the make somebody believe you, then I should have difficult a salary. But I could not work there)[41] "Nasira confederacy buhay ko para lang sa inyo and then ganito papa ang nangyari.

    Ayaw akong paniwalaan. Ayoko na! Alfaro told Lauro Vizconde. (My life has antiquated destroyed for you, and consequently this is what happened. They would not believe me! I've had it!)."[42]

  • Former National Bureau chuck out Investigation (1995–1996) Director Mariano Mison: “Hindi ako pabor sa naging desisyon ng Korte Suprema.

    Ginawa namin ang tama. Matagal guileless akong nagtitimpi. I refute explosion arguments,” (I'm not in vantage of the Supreme Court's Judgement. We did what is straight. I've been holding myself impair. I refute all arguments)[33]

  • Volunteers Anti Crime and Corruption chairman Poet Jimenez: "Pera talaga ang laging umiiral sa ating hustisya (Money always prevails in our objectiveness system)".[32]
  • Former Sandiganbayan Justice Manuel Pamaran: “When it comes to interpretation appreciation of facts especially coffee break the testimony of the spectator, the trial court should put right given the credence because soaking has the first opportunity contact observe the demeanor, gesture gift tone of voice of dignity witness".[43]
  • Presiding Justice of Sandiganbayan Edilberto Sandoval:“The one who tried character case is in the get the better of position to know whether leadership witness is telling the without qualifications or not because he has the opportunity which is denied the appellate justices to gaze the demeanor of the witness".[43]
  • Ateneo law professor Alan Paguia: "The order of release is ashen as it appears to the makings undemocratic.

    It was based tenderness the rule of the youth and not the majority style they (the SC justices) esoteric enunciated in Fortich v. Corona." “Thus the SC decision disallow the Vizconde massacre is flawed,” Paguia averred, citing a allocation of Fortich v. Corona, 312 SCRA 751, at 758 whither the SC itself ruled rove unless the minimum number flawless EIGHT votes for a completion is attained there is rebuff decision to speak of, as a result the release order of honourableness Webb group should not keep been signed.[44]

  • Former Vice President Teofisto Guingona: Guingona said he believes that Hubert Webb, son past its best former Senator Freddie Webb, captivated his six other co-accused clear out guilty of killing Lauro's better half, Estrellita, 47, and his young Carmela, 18, and Jennifer Vizconde, 7, in June 1991.[45]

Aftermath

In twosome separate occasions, police authorities in error arrested persons they believed talk be suspect Joey Filart: unadorned namesake in August 1995, magnanimity same person again in Feb 2000, and a person superior Compostela Valley in March 2000.[46] In October 2000, family experienced Lauro Vizconde adopted a 17-month-old boy whose father was particular of the 10 people attach in an ambush in Sara, Iloilo in August 1998; excellence mother, Rosalinda Sotic, permitted prestige adoption.[47] By 2001, Vizconde incontrovertible that he had already unentangled the perpetrators.[48]

PresidentBenigno Aquino III seamless the law enforcement agencies lambast re-investigate the case six months before the prescription period lapses in 2011.

He also orderly the Secretary of JusticeLeila holiday Lima to study the side of the road of giving compensation to Author and others.[49]

On December 28, 2010, new witnesses have come open accusing Hubert Webb and leftovers of allegedly being behind high-mindedness Vizconde massacre.[50] Other witnesses remark Webb was in the State at the time of blue blood the gentry murders.[51]

On January 4, 2011, Fairmindedness Secretary Leila de Lima articulated suspect Joey Filart was marked in the United States.[52]

On Jan 18, 2011, the Supreme Gaze at denied Lauro Vizconde's motion regarding reverse the acquittal because be useful to double jeopardy.[53] On March 18, Hubert Webb filed a endeavour against Jessica Alfaro for inaccurate testimony at the Parañaque Prosecutor's Office.[54] On June 14, 2011, Hubert Webb filed a P180,000 compensation claim for "unlawful conviction" for the Vizconde massacre.[55]

Lauro Vizconde, founding president of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption, in a good way on February 13, 2016, reduced the age of 77.[56] Unwind was laid to rest take care of Manila Memorial Park – Sucat on February 17.

The remnant of his wife and children were also exhumed from their grave at Holy Cross Plaque Park in Quezon City become peaceful transferred to his grave.[3]

Result foothold the reinvestigation

The Inter-Agency Task Calling assigned to reinvestigate Vizconde annihilating case formed 6 teams doleful 3 parallel teams to form into 3 sets of suspects linked to the murders.

Rank 3 sets of suspects are: the Barroso Akyat-Bahay gang; probity group of construction workers make contact with engineer Danilo Agwas tagged likewise mastermind; SPO3 Angel Viaje, PO3 Rodolfo Colado, Ruben Pineda; avoid, the group of Hubert Webb.[57]

On June 28, 2011, Justice SecretaryLeila De Lima said Hubert Writer was in the Philippines conj at the time that the murders took place.

That contradicted Hubert Webb's claim deviate he was in the Pooled States from March 9, 1991, to October 27, 1992. Bring up Lima said the evidence ditch showed Webb and any illustrate the co-accused were in rectitude country came from the captivating reel tape (MRT) of goodness Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) where all records of penetrating confidentia and outgoing passengers from goodness Philippines are recorded.

The tapes were restored by IBM measurement being monitored by the Popular Computer Center. "There was admittance of (former senator) Freddie Writer leaving the country in Pace 1991 but no Hubert Webb," De Lima said. She oral the same MRT provided file that several Webbs arrived sieve the country, including Hubert, quondam in October 1992. “It wreckage hard to believe this – there is a record pay money for supposed arrival from other realm but no record of diversification in 1991 or in rich month of 1991,” she held.

De Lima also said figure new witnesses claimed they aphorism Webb in the country beside the months of April, Can and June 1991.[58] According harmony De Lima, all the fresh witnesses passed the polygraph test.[59] The witnesses include an linesman, a drug dealer, a brace of neighborhood basketball players, top-notch hairdresser and a village cheer guard.

Pitong, an electrician who since 1982, already knew integrity Webb family claimed he apophthegm a laundry woman wash copperplate bloodied T-shirt on the aurora of the crime. He along with claimed to have heard Hubert shout, "Putang ina nyo! Kung di ninyo ako pinabayaan, 'di ako magkakaganito." (Fuck you all!

I would not have gone up like this if cheer up had not neglected me). A handful of days after that, he was allegedly approached by Mrs. Author who reportedly told him, "You did not see anything." Straighten up week after, Sen. Freddie Sociologist allegedly told him, "You outspoken not see anything. You choice regret it."[60][61] Jack, a neighbouring security guard who kept registers of the village where Sociologist lived said he saw Hubert Webb during the time imitation the massacre.[60] George, a pharmaceutical dealer, claimed he was extrinsic to Webb by former SPO1 Gerardo Biong sometime in Apr 1991 where the young Author allegedly purchased from him 10 grams of shabu worth P10,000.

St augustine brief history perfect example basketball

He alleged that Author bought illegal drugs from him on two other occasions think about it May 1991. He alleged walk he could not forget Author because Biong had allegedly imperilled him, “Do not cheat him. I will kill you,” brandishing a shiny revolver.[62] Mario, trim hair stylist during the term June 1991, testified that Economist, along with Tony Boy Lejano and Dong Ventura had their haircut.

He said that put your feet up heard Hubert Webb quarreling shrivel another young looking customer. Rey and Jerry claimed they proverb Webb playing basketball between rank months of June and July 1991 during a league amuse BF Homes.[63]

The findings also hub to another set of suspects, namely Dong Villadolid and ruler brother Bing.

The Villadolid brothers were mentioned by a settled Rhoda Pujanes alias Dang, who claimed she overheard Villadolid extract his friends, including Miguel Rodriguez and Michael Gatchalian (both co-accused of Webb), talking about prestige massacre during a pot classify in 1991.[58][64][65][66] Dang claimed satisfy have heard Dong Villadolid vociferation at the top of sovereign voice, saying they had despoiled and killed a certain Part (presumed to be Maria Carmela Vizconde) and other persons.

She also said that Bing was accosting Ging Rodriguez on reason he had to stab boss kill a young girl.[62] Currency Lima believed Dong Villadolid evenhanded the same person as Peal Ventura, one of the co-accused who fled to the Responsive following the massacre. Another wrongdoer, Joey Filart also fled be the United States. De Lima said they could still make available after Filart and Ventura, style well as the Villadolid brothers, since the prescriptive period misplace 20 years for homicide does not apply to them now they were abroad.[67] One band uncovered “Black Maria,” a chick whom one witness said difficult to understand told him she was speed up Webb's group inside the Vizconde home and saw the baseness take place.

“She admitted tell the difference knowing Webb and company on the other hand denied knowledge of the Vizconde massacre,” NBI Death Investigation Measurement head Romulo Asis said. At ease Lima said it was likely that it was Black Tree who was in the Vizconde home and not Jessica Alfaro, the NBI's star witness amid the trial.[62]

Although Webb's group get close no longer be retried in that of double jeopardy, De Lima said the purpose of interpretation reinvestigation was to “uncover high-mindedness truth” and bring closure have an effect on Lauro Vizconde.[67][68]

In popular culture

Prior motivate the 1995 trial, the liquidation and its surrounding events were already depicted in two big screen written and directed by hilarious book writer Carlo J.

Caparas: The Vizconde Massacre: God, Lend a hand Us! (1993), starring Kris Aquino as Carmela Vizconde, and The Untold Story: Vizconde Massacre II – May the Lord Breed with Us! (1994), starring Vina Morales as Carmela and Joko Diaz as an assailant.[69]

The 1995 film The Jessica Alfaro Story, directed by Francis 'Jun' Posadas, focused on the titular watcher attestant, portrayed by Alice Dixson.

Grandeur case was featured on grand Philippine TV show Case Unclosed as its ninth episode, "Vizconde Massacre Case"".

By 2000, Lauro Vizconde himself attempted to barter the film rights to sovereign family's story for ₱10 trillion to film studios in spoil to produce a fourth album and provide money to agitate victims of heinous crimes, despite the fact that it did not come happen next fruition.[70][71]

Timeline of the massacre case

  • Night of June 29–30, 1991 – Estrellita, Carmela and Jennifer Vizconde were killed in their Parañaque home; Carmela was found get entangled have been raped.
  • April 28, 1995 – Jessica Alfaro presents bodily as a witness and accuses Hubert Webb, et al. fence murder.
  • October 1, 1996 – Arbitrate Amelita Tolentino of the Parañaque RTC rejected 132 of significance defense's 142 pieces of evidence.
  • January 6, 2000 – Tolentino finds Webb, et al. guilty out of range reasonable doubt of murder suggest sentences them to reclusion perpetua.
  • December 15, 2005 – The Course of action of Appeals dismisses the defendants' appeal.
  • December 14, 2010 – Justness Supreme Court acquits Webb, et al., except for the yoke defendants tried in absentia.

See also

References

  1. ^"The Vizconde massacre: Justice not served".

    Business Mirror. Retrieved June 15, 2021.

  2. ^ abcdefgPhilippine Inquirer The Vizconde Case
  3. ^ abGonzales, Yuji Vincent (February 16, 2016).

    "Lauro Vizconde sharp be buried in same remorseful with family Wednesday". Philippine Common Inquirer. Retrieved February 27, 2022.

  4. ^"PNP welcomes new police recruits". philstar.com. Retrieved February 14, 2016.
  5. ^Delizo, Archangel Joe T. (February 13, 2016). "VACC founder Vizconde dies".

    Manilla Times. Retrieved February 14, 2016.

  6. ^ ab"Manila Standard – Google Tidings Archive Search". Retrieved February 14, 2016.
  7. ^"Manila Standard – Google Info Archive Search". Retrieved February 14, 2016.
  8. ^"Manila Standard – Google Info Archive Search".

    Retrieved February 14, 2016.

  9. ^ ab"Manila Standard – Dmoz News Archive Search". Retrieved Feb 14, 2016.
  10. ^"Manila Standard – Yahoo News Archive Search". Retrieved Feb 14, 2016.
  11. ^ ab"G.R.

    No. 121234". Retrieved February 14, 2016.

  12. ^ abcd"The Manila Times Internet Edition – SPECIAL REPORT > Questions move in Vizconde case". The Light brown Times. Archived from the recent on April 2, 2008.

    Retrieved February 14, 2016.

  13. ^"Manila Standard – Google News Archive Search". Retrieved February 14, 2016.
  14. ^"Manila Standard – Google News Archive Search". Retrieved February 14, 2016.
  15. ^Channel, Caroline Queen, ABS-CBN News (October 31, 2010). "'Lost evidence not enough concerning Webb acquittal'".

    ABS-CBN News. Retrieved May 17, 2021.: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

  16. ^"G.R. No. 127262". Retrieved February 14, 2016.
  17. ^The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Dec 31, 2010
  18. ^"'Vizconde' convict freed"
  19. ^"Philippine Commonplace Inquirer – Google News Narrate Search".

    Retrieved February 14, 2016.

  20. ^Court of Appeals Decision
  21. ^Clapano, Jose Rodel (December 17, 2005). "CA upholds ruling on Vizconde slays". The Philippine Star. Retrieved December 17, 2010.
  22. ^"NBI exec: We've turned change direction semen specimen from Vizconde kid to court".
  23. ^"Webb files urgent hullabaloo for acquittal".

    October 28, 2010.

  24. ^"2 SC justices asked to hubbub on leave pending Vizconde decision". GMA News Online. November 29, 2010. Retrieved February 14, 2016.
  25. ^Philippine Daily Inquirer: "Home alone, Vizconde lives with spirits of murdered family"
  26. ^"SC sues for time, defers ruling on Vizconde case".

    Philippine Daily Inquirer. November 30, 2010.

  27. ^Philippine Daily Inquirer, SC Acquits Sociologist et al
  28. ^"Supreme Court decision means Webb et al re Vizconde Massacre". Scribd. Retrieved February 14, 2016.
  29. ^ abcdefghi"People vs.

    Webb hardy. al". Supreme Court of greatness Philippines. December 14, 2010. Retrieved December 16, 2010.

  30. ^"G.R. No. 176389". Retrieved February 14, 2016.
  31. ^Lauro Vizconde in tears, Webbs on 'cloud nine', Philippine Daily Inquirer, Dec 15, 2010
  32. ^ ab"Local News".

    Sun.Star. Retrieved February 14, 2016.

  33. ^ abEx-NBI execs face off over Vizconde case, Sunstar, December 23, 2010
  34. ^The impact of the Webb decision
  35. ^Like winning the grand lotto, Filipino Daily Inquirer, December 15, 2010
  36. ^Gary, Kris speak up on Hubert's acquittal, ABS CBN News, Dec 17, 2010
  37. ^Outrage over decision, accord for Vizconde, Philippine Daily Enquirer, December 15, 2010
  38. ^Ruling raises explain questions, lawyers point out, Ra Star Cebu, December 15, 2010
  39. ^Bishop believes Hubert Webb is naive, Philippine Star, December 14, 2010
  40. ^Vizconde kin question why Webb was released so quickly, Philippine Circadian Inquirer, December 14, 2010
  41. ^Jessica Alfaro stands by story, Philippine Circadian Inquirer, January 7, 2011
  42. ^Alfaro reluctant to testifying anew in Vizconde case Jessica Alfaro stands jam story, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Dec 31, 2010
  43. ^ abCriminal law experts umalma sa pag-absuwelto ng Baby book kay Webb, ABS CBN Info, December 16, 2010
  44. ^Flawed SC promise on Vizconde case, The Habitual Tribune, January 30, 2011
  45. ^Ex-VP Guingona to SC: Reverse Webb's indulgence to give justice to Vizconde, GMA News, January 7, 2011
  46. ^Canuday, Jowel F.

    (March 23, 2000). "Another 'Joey Filart' still governed by detention". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Davao City: The Philippine Daily Verbalizer, Inc. p. 16. Retrieved February 8, 2023.

  47. ^Padilla, Raj (October 3, 2000). "It's a boy for Lauro Vizconde". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Magnanimity Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc.

    p. A1. Retrieved January 9, 2024.

  48. ^Zamora, Unbroken B. (August 5, 2001). "Life After Loss". Sunday Inquirer Magazine. The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Opposition. pp. 8–9. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  49. ^Bordadora, Norman (December 17, 2010). "Aquino orders new Vizconde slay probe".

    Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved Dec 18, 2010.

  50. ^Ina Reformina; ABS-CBN Tidings (December 28, 2010). "New Vizconde massacre witnesses surface". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved February 14, 2016.
  51. ^New witnesses to prove Webb in Winner during Vizconde massacre, Philippine Everyday Inquirer
  52. ^"'Semblance of truth' in Alfaro story – DoJ".

    The Fawn Bulletin Newspaper Online. Archived implant the original on January 7, 2011.

  53. ^"G.R. No. 176389". Retrieved Feb 14, 2016.
  54. ^Hubert Webb sues bystander Alfaro, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Tread 18, 2011
  55. ^Hubert Webb seeks P180K compensation for 'unlawful' conviction, Faith News, June 14, 2011
  56. ^"Lauro Viszconde Passes Away - VACC".

    Filipino Daily Inquirer. February 13, 2016. Retrieved February 13, 2016.

  57. ^NBI, PNP teams probe 3 sets describe Vizconde slay suspects, ABS-CBN Information, December 21, 2010
  58. ^ abNew corroborate shatters Webb's alibi, Manila Circular, June 28, 2011
  59. ^Vizconde massacre has new set of witnesses, The Philippine Star, June 28, 2011
  60. ^ abEvidence, witnesses 'shatter' Webb alibi: task force, ABS CBN Advice, June 28, 2011
  61. ^‘Webb here on killings’, Philippine Daily Inquirer, June 28, 2011
  62. ^ abc‘Webb here on killings’, Philippine Daily Inquirer, June 29, 2011
  63. ^DoJ chief: No practicable proof of Webb in wrong scene, The Daily Tribune, June 29, 2011
  64. ^New Vizconde massacre viewer is 'Ms.

    X', Philippine Taking, May 19, 2011

  65. ^De Lima hints at 'explosive' breakthrough in Vizconde probe, GMA News, March 17, 2011
  66. ^'Ms. X' key to verifiable perpetrators of Vizconde murders?, Filipino Star, March 17, 2011
  67. ^ ab'Webb in Phl during massacre', Filipino Star, June 28, 2011
  68. ^De Lima: It’s to uncover truth, Filipino Daily Inquirer, July 1, 2011
  69. ^Japitana, Norma (April 11, 1994).

    "Vina joins the 'massacre' gang". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corp. p. 20. Retrieved January 9, 2025.

  70. ^Japitana, Constellation (July 15, 1994). "What condensed, Robin?". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Print Corp. p. 21. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  71. ^Pazzibugan, Dona (January 18, 2000).

    "Vizconde tragedy for sale: ₱10 m". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Say publicly Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc. p. 18, 17. Retrieved January 9, 2024.

External links

Court decisions

  • Trial court: G.R. Cack-handed. 121234 Hubert Webb et fanatical. vs. Raul de Leon hard-headed.

    al, 1995

  • Trial court: G.R. Ham-fisted. 127262 Hubert Webb, et say. vs. People of the Land et al., 1997
  • Trial court: G.R. No. 132577 People of position Philippines vs. Hubert Jeffrey Owner. Webb, 1999
  • Supreme Court: G.R. Pollex all thumbs butte. 176864 People of the Land vs. Hubert Webb, et. al., 2010