SC acquits Hubert Webb, 6 others in Vizconde massacre case

Webb, et al ordered released as soon as possible

By Tetch Torres INQUIRER.net First Posted 11:34:00 12/14/2010

MANILA, Philippines—(UPDATE 4) The Supreme Court today acquitted former senator’s son Hubert Webb and six others in connection with the celebrated Vizconde massacre case.

“The prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt the guilt of the accused,” court administrator and spokesman Jose Midas Marquez said.

Marquez said seven justices who voted for the acquittal are questioning the quality of the prosecution’s main witness.

“Jessica Alfaro is an NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) agent, not really an eye witness,” Marquez said.

“There were also suspicious details showing inherent inconsistencies, all corroboration cannot be relied on…In all, there is reasonable and lingering doubt on the guilt of the accused,” Marquez said.

Aside from Webb, the high court also acquitted Antonio Lejano II, Michael Gatchalian, Miguel Rodriguez, Peter Estrada, Hospicio “Pyke” Fernandez.

Marquez said Joey Filart and Artemio Ventura who were never arrested and have been at large are not part of the acquittal.

“No proceedings were held against them,” Marquez said.

The high court ordered the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to release all the accused as soon as possible.

He added that Biong, who was convicted as an accessory to the crime, is also acquitted because he was specifically pointed by the government witness as the one who allegedly covered the tracks of Webb’s group.

No motion for reconsideration can be filed.

"No MR can be filed otherwise it is tantamount to double jeopardy."

Webb, who is the son of former senator Freddie Webb, Lejano, Gatchalian, Rodriguez, Estrada, and Fernandez were convicted for the 1991 murders.


Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20101214-308897/SC-acquits-Hubert-Webb-6-others-in-Vizconde-massacre-case