The case of the Vizconde Massacre took another direction only after four years, when Jessica Alfaro surfaced and became the case's star witness. Movie producers and directors rode the wave of public outcry by creating true-to-life films based on such heinous crimes. Vizconde should go after the national government. Make a difference. Based on my findings, I defended Hubert in my column and in my radio and TV programs. The Vizconde massacre revisited | ABS-CBN News 182555/G.R. "[29] In general, the court said that Alfaro's story "lacks sense or suffers from inherent inconsistencies. 3. Night of June 2930, 1991 Estrellita, Carmela and Jennifer Vizconde were killed in their Paraaque home; Carmela was found to have been raped. She admitted to knowing Webb and company but denied knowledge of the Vizconde massacre, NBI Death Investigation Division head Romulo Asis said. InVizconde case: The SC applied two tests in rejecting the positive identification of Alfaro: firstly, the credibility of a witness; secondly, the testimony should be believable, not inherently contrived. Anyone can be paid! A lying witness can make as positive an identification as a truthful witness can. Lauro Vizconde on Thursday marks the 20th anniversary of the murders of his wife and two daughters at his residence in BF Homes, Paraaque City. About the Show; You May Also Like . A police officer, Gerardo Biong, has also been charged for destroying the evidence at the crime scene. The Visconde Massacre Case - Filipino Journal 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! Apart from Alejo, earlier there was another witness, Merlito Herbas. 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. By providing an email address. Appendix: Case analysis: Supreme Court's rulings on Vizconde and Among those present were former Vice President Teofisto Guingona; Arsenio Boy Evangelista, father of carjack victim Venson Evangelista; Dacer-Corbito witness Cezar Mancao and his lawyer Ferdinand Topacio; and members of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC). The SC did not apply the two tests it invoked on the Vizconde case before accepting the positive identification of Alejo as credible, and him as a credible witness. ), 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. 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. [4] In the Trial Court (People of the Philippines vs. Hubert Webb, et al., G.R. It cautioned itself from accepting the testimonies of witnesses without applying these tests. But in the Abadilla case, not only did the SC affird the CAs ruling in rejecting the defence of alibi, it did not also question the CAs formulation of conjectures on which it based its judgement. The prosecutors, the RTC and the CA have been made aware of this fact by the defence. Alfaro said Estrellita was killed before Webb began to rape Carmela. The filming location took place in the actual home of the Vizconde's where the massacre took place on June 30, 1991. Vizconde Massacre: The hidden Truth - Facebook Secondly, in the Abadilla case the SC held that the defense of alibi is weak, but in the Vizconde case it held that not all denials and alibis should be regarded as fabricated. Sign up now! Call 896 6000. The NBI is the agency responsible in providing security and protection of witnesses admitted under WPP. After the shooting, he could have easily and quickly transferred to Camp Crame between 9:00 and 9:30 in the morning. [49], On January 4, 2011, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said suspect Joey Filart was spotted in the United States. Six months is not enough for him to clean up the Aegean stable that is the PNP. [9] They were acquitted by a trial judge in September 1993 for insufficient evidence.[9]. 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. I got my style of writing when I was a reporter, news writer and newsreader on radio during the pre-martial law era, and as a deskman and feature writer of the Philippines News Agency (PNA). 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. After she finished the laundry, she went to the servant's quarters. Therefore, the SCs rejection of Villamaras opinion demonstrates a fundamental contradiction to its September 7 decision on the Abadilla case. This is a violation of the duty of state." But Custodio admits this may be easier said than done. This has resulted in the revelation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) that they no longer had the specimens as these were remanded to the Paraaque courts. They were sentenced to reclusion perpetua and ordered to indemnify the Vizconde family Php 3 million for the murders. References: For there is no law requiring that the testimony of a simple [sic] witness should be corroborated for it to be accorded full faith and credit. No. She also said that Bing was accosting Ging Rodriguez on why he had to stab and kill a young girl. Those initially jailed for. Choose Gods endless kind of love., Hernandez also reminded Vizconde that he now had three saints in Heaven.. Published July 4, 2011 7:24pm. (P.S. Similar to the accused in the Vizconde case, all the accused in the Abadilla case invoked their defence of alibi. The Jessica Alfaro Story in 1995 was meanwhile focused on the star witness, portrayed by Alice Dixson. Episode on July 5, 2011 Tuesday after Saksi! Since I was introduced to The STAR readers in the front page, Ill hit the ground running. 3. [60] De Lima believed Dong Villadolid is the same person as Dong Ventura, one of the co-accused who fled to the US following the massacre. 150 likes. The Vizconde Massacre. vs. People of the Philippines et al., 1997, G.R. The SC, however, upheld the RTC and the CAs judgement that the defence of alibi of the accused is a weak defense, (and that) for it to prosper, the accused must prove not only that he was at some other place at the time of the commission of the crime, but also, that it was physically impossible for him to be or within its immediate vicinity. The people urging President Rodrigo Digong Duterte to run for vice president in the 2022 elections are making fun of him. I went to the US to check on senator Webbs allegations I paid for my fare and accommodation, by the way and found that, indeed, Hubert was there when the Vizconde women were being butchered at their home in Paraaque. The presumption leaned on is disputable and can be overcome by evidence to the contrary. 127262 Hubert Webb, et al. But to Judge Amelita Tolentino of the Paranaque Regional Trial Court, the truth was the account of star witness Jessica Alfaro. 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. 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. InVizconde case: Jessica Alfaros positive identification was rejected because she did not meet the test of a credible witness and that what she personally saw must be believable, not inherently contrived. [15] The accused alleged that by rejecting 132 of the 142 pieces of evidence, Tolentino had set the tone for their conviction. Needless to say, were unpopular with the PNP and other government agencies that citizens transact business with. Kung di ninyo ako pinabayaan, 'di ako magkakaganito. (Fuck you all! Vizconde Massacre: The hidden Truth. The SC required this test as necessary before a testimony of positive identification could be accepted as credible and with merit. [10] According to the footage of the trial, Alfaro had been able to identify all the defendants by their names. In a decision dated January 6, 2000, Paraaque Regional Trial Court Judge Amelita Tolentino convicted Webb and the co . Footnote: This article comprises the text of a statement issued by the Asian Human Rights Commission, AHRC-STM-266-2010, dated 21 December 2010. He alleged that he could not forget Webb because Biong had allegedly threatened him, Do not cheat him. Webbs co-accused, Antonio Lejano, is a son of a known singer and celebrity. I would not have ended up like this if you had not neglected me). We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Lejano and Ventura also took turns raping Carmela, before finishing her off with numerous stabs. [6][7][8] The suspects said they were tortured and forced to confess to the crime before they were presented by Filart to the media. God would be stupid to borrow Digongs words if He gifts him the vice presidency the second time around. Democrito Barcenas, former Integrated Bar of the Philippines Cebu City president and regional coordinator of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG): I think that most of the justices are right in their decision. Sulu in the eyes of my good friend Princess Jacel Kiram is a potential eco-tourism destination and fruit basket of the country. I was a barbarian in my college years at the University of the Philippines. The Supreme Court acquitted them on Dec. 14, 2010. 121234 Hubert Webb et al. Webbs son, Hubert Jeffrey, is also the brother of a television host, Pinky, in one of the largest television networks in the country. vs. Raul de Leon et. [47], On December 28, 2010, new witnesses have come forward accusing Hubert Webb and others of allegedly being behind the Vizconde massacre. The CA held that these ballistic results are inconclusive and can never prevail over appellants positive identification by eyewitness Freddie Alejo. All of us who have cases in court, dont we realize that if your opponent has money, brace yourself. The High Court put to question the quality of the testamentary evidence furnished by the witnesses. Suspicions, no matter how strong they are, must never sway judgment. The massacre and surrounding events were depicted in the 1993 film The Vizconde Massacre Story (God Help Us!) The unconstitutionality of prior restraint. The AHRC urges the SC to thoroughly review the pending final appeal of the accused in the Abadilla case. He then hurled the little girl to a wall and started stabbing her. At any rate, Rameses de Jesus admitted that they were using the new car of Lenido Lumanog. Lorenzo delos Santos was acquitted due to lack of evidence, but the RTC, the CA and the SC ignored that fact that the same positive identification it invoked in convicting the Abadilla Five came from exactly the same testimonies that have been used to acquit Delos Santos. The court also said that it was "possible for Alfaro to lie" on the details of the case. Hopefully, if they will surface, public pressure will snowball and I will finally get the justice I am looking for, he said. The SC acquitted all the accused, reversing and dismissing the guilty verdict of the RTC and the CA. Executive M/Sgt. Credibility of a witness: In Vizconde case not credible, but credible in the Abadilla case. Rey and Jerry claimed they saw Webb playing basketball between the months of June and July 1991 during a league in BF Homes. Rodolfo Sison, the police investigator originally assigned to the case in 1991. The court rejected his testimony because he was a disgruntled witness. All rights are reserved. The fight is not over. G.R. On the acquittal of Lorenzo delos Santos, the accused whom Alejo had also positively identified, it ruled that his acquittal did not damage Alejos credibility; and his positive identification of the accused. The readers will notice soon enough the brevity of each topic. Ho Man Tin, Kowloon No. With Romeo Vasquez, Elizabeth Oropesa, Robert Arevalo, Tommy Abuel. She did not know nor met any of them. It is time to heal the past. [58] George, a drug dealer, claimed he was introduced to Webb by former SPO1 Gerardo Biong sometime in April 1991 where the young Webb allegedly purchased from him 10grams of shabu worth P10,000. This page was last edited on 8 February 2023, at 03:37. Herbas and Alejo worked for the Abadillas as security guards. ", The victims of the massacre (from left to right): Jennifer, Carmela, and Estrellita Vizconde, "The Vizconde massacre: Justice not served", "Lauro Vizconde to be buried in same grave with family Wednesday", "Manila Standard Google News Archive Search", "The Manila Times Internet Edition SPECIAL REPORT > Questions linger in Vizconde case", The Philippine Daily Inquirer, December 31, 2010, "Philippine Daily Inquirer Google News Archive Search", "NBI exec: We've turned over semen specimen from Vizconde girl to court", "2 SC justices asked to go on leave pending Vizconde decision", "SC sues for time, defers ruling on Vizconde case", Philippine Daily Inquirer, SC Acquits Webb et al, "Supreme Court decision on Webb et al re Vizconde Massacre", Lauro Vizconde in tears, Webbs on 'cloud nine', Gary, Kris speak up on Hubert's acquittal, Outrage over decision, sympathy for Vizconde, Ruling raises more questions, lawyers point out, Vizconde kin question why Webb was released so quickly, Alfaro unwilling to testifying anew in Vizconde case Jessica Alfaro stands by story, Criminal law experts umalma sa pag-absuwelto ng SC kay Webb, Ex-VP Guingona to SC: Reverse Webb's acquittal to give justice to Vizconde, "Another 'Joey Filart' still under detention", "New Vizconde massacre witnesses surface", New witnesses to prove Webb in PH during Vizconde massacre, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Hubert Webb seeks P180K compensation for 'unlawful' conviction, NBI, PNP teams probe 3 sets of Vizconde slay suspects, Vizconde massacre has new set of witnesses, Evidence, witnesses 'shatter' Webb alibi: task force, DoJ chief: No credible proof of Webb in crime scene, De Lima hints at explosive breakthrough in Vizconde probe. The SC, however, held that by failing to prove the existence of a relationship between Hubert and Carmela; and that the lover that Alfaro claimed that Carmela had met did not come forward in public or in court, her testimonies about the accused and the victims were like a piece of jigsaw puzzle trimmed to fit into the shape on the board but does not belong because it clashes with the surrounding pieces and the lover was a mere ghost of the imagination of Alfaro, the woman who made a living informing on criminals. She took advantage of her familiarity with these details to include in her testimony. There was only one vital witness for the prosecution, Freddie Alejo. 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. [52] On June 14, 2011, Hubert Webb filed a P180,000 compensation claim for "unlawful conviction" for the Vizconde massacre. By continuing, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. On December 14, 2010, the SC rendered its decision on the appeals of the accused, questioning the guilty verdict by the RTC and the CA. 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. So, some sectors are calling for Eleazars extension until after the May 2022 elections. The lead suspect was Hubert Webb whose father, Freddie Webb was famous as an actor, former basketball player, and Paraaque congressman at the time of the murders. MANILA, Philippines - A former policeman who was jailed for allegedly tampering with evidence in the 1991 Vizconde massacre insists he is innocent of any crime after being released from prison Tuesday. [19], The Court of Appeals' Third Division voted 32 to deny Webb's motion for reconsideration and upheld the ruling of Judge Tolentino on December 16, 2005. The court also amended the award of damages from 100,000 pesos to 200,000 pesos, and also upheld the conviction of Biong as accessory to the crime "by abusing his public functions to conceal and destroy the physical evidence in order to prevent the discovery of the crime and by allowing the destruction of the physical evidence, Biong facilitated the escape of the principal accused. He and six others spent 15 years in jail. Vizconde Massacre | FreebookSummary This is one of the most controversial and widely publicised massacre cases because of the involvement of the son of a former Philippine Senator, Freddie Webb; and six others from a wealthy family background similar to that of the accused. Copyright 2023. [56] According to De Lima, all the new witnesses passed the polygraph test. He said that he heard Hubert Webb quarreling with another young looking customer. Hubert and his co-accused were convicted by the Paraaque Regional Trial Court for the crime on June 6, 2000. ABADILLA MURDER CASE: This case is about the murder of Rolando Abadilla, a police colonel during Marcos regime, at 8:30 on June 13, 1996 at the Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City. The court noted the inconsistency between Alfaro's testimony of Webb being Carmela's boyfriend, who had no reason in breaking the glass panel of the house's front door to enter the house; Alfaro said that Webb "picked up some stone and, out of the blue, hurled it at the glass-paneled front door". Their original conviction was capital punishment but their sentence was modified to life imprisonment when the death penalty was abolished. It was based on the rule of the minority and not the majority as they (the SC justices) had enunciated in Fortich v. [2][20], The court ruled that the Paraaque RTC was correct in sentencing Webb et al. 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 . This was how Lauro Vizcondes relatives summed it up on Thursday night after a Mass marking the 20th anniversary of the death of his wife Estrellita and daughters Carmela and Jennifer. [48] Other witnesses say Webb was in the Philippines at the time of the murders. Vizconde massacre case: Back to square one | ABS-CBN News But Villaramas opinion was not considered by the SC in their majority decision. The 3 sets of suspects are: the Barroso Akyat-Bahay gang; the group of construction workers with engineer Danilo Agwas tagged as mastermind; SPO3 Angel Viaje, PO3 Rodolfo Colado, Ruben Pineda; and, the group of Hubert Webb. 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." Alejos testimonies in open court were also not consistent to what he had said to the police investigators immediately after the murder. LIKE me to support Mr. Vizconde No. Inconsistencies: In Vizconde case damages credibility, in Abadilla case does not. Former Paraaque policeman Gerardo Biong was found guilty as an accessory for burning bedsheets and tampering with other evidence in the crime. Methinks one year would give Eleazar ample time impose his brand of discipline on one of the most undisciplined police forces in the world. 1 newspaper in terms of circulation and readership. Biong was released from jail on November 30, 2010, after serving his sentence. He alleged that Webb bought illegal drugs from him on two other occasions in May 1991. . 'Ms. I became a villain in the eyes of the citizenry that was crying for blood; but I was steadfast. Like Herbas, court records had also shown that Alejo has been receiving money and free accommodation from the Abadillas. 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. On April 28, 1995, National Bureau of Investigations asset and self-confessed drug user Jessica Alfaro came forward to police authorities to shed light on the killing of the Vizconde family. Yes, but what can I do (?). Nine years later, still no clarity on EDCA sites. InAbadilla case: Both the RTC and the CA did not apply this test of credibility of a witness before accepting the testimony of Alejo. She said that when she entered Hubert's room, she saw him wearing only his pants, awake and smoking in bed. Alfaro claimed that Hubert was angry at Carmela thus raping and murdering her, her younger sister and her mother, to supposedly revenge her unfaithfulness to him. It held that a positive declaration from a witness that he saw the accused commit the crime should not automatically cancel out the accuseds claim that he did not do it. 132577 People of the Philippines vs. Hubert Jeffrey P. Webb, 1999, G.R. On October 1, 1996, Judge Amelita Tolentino admitted only 10 of the 142 pieces of evidence the defense presented. You are just a few clicks away from making I stand by my story. When she could not produce the person, Sacaguing continued to press her saying that she might as well assume the role of her informant.. As to the failure to present the forensic evidence and its subsequent loss, the SC held: the semen specimen taken from Carmela cannot possibly lie. 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