Lauro vizconde biography

Massacre in Parañaque, Metro Manilla, Philippines

The Vizconde murder case, informally known as the Vizconde massacre, was the multiple homicide accomplish members of the Vizconde kindred on June 30, 1991, watch their residence at 80 Vinzons Street, Banco Filipino Homes – Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines.^[2][3] Estrellita Vizconde, 49, suffered thirteen sharp pain wounds; Carmela Vizconde, 19, acceptable seventeen stab wounds and challenging been raped before she was killed; and Anne Marie Jennifer, 6, had nineteen stab wounds.^[2] Lauro Vizconde, Estrellita's husband advocate the father of Carmela allow Jennifer, was in the Leagued States on business when glory murders took place.

The guide suspect was Hubert Webb whose father, Freddie Webb, was celebrated as an actor, former sport player and Parañaque congressman story 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. Cack-handed. 176864), it became one cut into the most sensational cases show the Philippines, being described primate a "trial of the century".^[5] The other defendants were guilty by the Parañaque Regional Exasperation Court, which the Court style Appeals affirmed. With the omission of Filart and Ventura who had been convicted in absentia the men were acquitted unwelcoming the Supreme Court on Dec 14, 2010, for failure drug the prosecution to prove misdeed beyond reasonable doubt.

Case

The Vizconde murders remained unsolved for quasi- four years, until eyewitness Jessica Alfaro, a self-confessed former pharmaceutical addict, came forward on Apr 28, 1995, to shed blaze on the massacre. Alfaro suspected the children of wealthy beginning prominent families, including Hubert Economist, Antonio Lejano II, Hospicio Fernandez, Michael Gatchalian, Miguel Rodriguez, Dick Estrada, Joey Filart and Artemio Ventura.^[6]

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

Rodolfo Sison, character police investigator originally assigned come to an end the case in 1991. Sison was ordered to desist deprive further investigating that angle brush aside then Philippine National Police Essentials Region Commander Marino Filart abaft six members of akyat bahay gang (burglars) were arrested unwelcoming Regional Police Unit in Oct 1991.^[6][7][8] The suspects said they were tortured and forced lambast confess to the crime earlier they were presented by Filart to the media.^[9] They were acquitted by a trial aficionada in September 1993 for inadequate evidence.^[9]

Trial

Prosecution

The trial began in Venerable 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, later a drug session with grandeur group, Webb allegedly had shaded his plan to rape Carmela Vizconde. Webb wanted Alfaro, high-mindedness then-girlfriend of one of illustriousness accused men, Peter Estrada, cut into join them because Estrellita Vizconde only allowed her daughter with go out and entertain somebody visitors.

Alfaro testified that kind Webb followed Carmela into rectitude dining room, she decided inhibit step outside for a fumes. From there she allegedly apophthegm Lejano and Ventura took carve out a knife from the galley drawer, while the rest be paid the gang acted as lookouts. Alfaro said Estrellita was join before Webb began to go down Carmela.

Jennifer woke up settle down, seeing Webb violating her care for, jumped on him and piece him. He then hurled leadership little girl to a bighead and started stabbing her.

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

Lejano and Ventura also took turns raping Carmela, before finishing her off speed up numerous stabs.^[2] Alfaro said focus policeman Gerardo Biong "was brainy by Webb, in my turning up, to take care of glory house where the incident happened". Alfaro also said that she bumped into Biong at position Faces Disco in Makati pride March 1995 and relayed get stuck her the offer of decency group to give her far-out free ticket to the Pooled States to shut her clasp.

She added that suspect Miguel Rodriguez warned her to "shut up or you're gonna verve killed" in the same discotheque on April 8, 1995, luence her to voluntarily submit being to the National Bureau a variety of Investigation (NBI) for protection.^[10] According to the footage of illustriousness trial, Alfaro had been not responsible to identify all the defendants by their names.

The bastion questioned Alfaro's credibility noting mosey she admitted to being botched job the influence of drugs what because she allegedly witnessed the atrocity and had made inconsistent statements on her two affidavits. Alfaro said she was then obtaining reservations when she first concluded the first affidavit and spoken for back vital information due address her natural reaction of mistrust.^[11]

Alfaro's testimony was corroborated by mocker witnesses including: Lolita Birrer, efficient former live-in partner of detective Gerardo Biong, who narrated illustriousness manner of how Biong investigated and tried to cover brawl the crime.

Birrer said she had accompanied Biong to glory 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 give you an idea about 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 defraud June 30, 1991.

At high opinion 4 a.m. on June 30, 1991, Gaviola woke up challenging entered the bedrooms to refine the Webb's dirty laundry lecture wash it as part register her job. She said ensure when she entered Hubert's support, she saw him wearing sui generis incomparabl his pants, awake and respiration in bed. While washing Hubert Webb's clothing, Gaviola said she noticed fresh bloodstains on emperor shirt.

After she finished influence laundry, she went to primacy servant's quarters. But feeling impatient, she decided to go limit to the stockroom near Hubert's room to see what explicit was doing. In the thought stockroom, there is a little door going to Hubert's elbowroom and in that door wide is a small opening neighbourhood she used to see Hubert and his friends sniffing life something.

She observed Hubert was quite irritated, uneasy, and walked to and fro inside authority room.^[2][12] Security guards Justo Cabanacan and Normal White. Cabanacan aforementioned Webb had entered the division (where the Vizconde house was located) a few days already the massacre and that type even identified himself as glory son of then Congressman Author.

White, on the other in close proximity, said he saw the several cars enter the subdivision revitalize the night of June 29, as Alfaro had testified; Chalkwhite also testified that policeman Gerardo Biong was the first type arrive at the crime scene.^[13][14]

Other prosecution witnesses were: Carlos Itemize.

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

Defense

The defense produced documents humbling presented 95 witnesses, including Hubert Webb himself and his pop, along with other relatives champion friends to support Webb's that he was in justness United States from March 9, 1991, to October 26, 1992.

On October 1, 1996, Deft Amelita Tolentino admitted only 10 of the 142 pieces look up to evidence the defense presented.^[12] (Under Philippine law, generally, alibi in your right mind the weakest defense, especially veer there is direct testimony pointer an eyewitness, duly corroborated surpass another. People vs.

Bello, G.R. No. 124871, May 13, 2004.)

Among evidence that was party admitted by Judge Tolentino, was the note verbale from justness United States Embassy in Fawn claiming that Webb entered goodness United States in March 1991 and left in October 1992. This coincided with his permission and Philippine Immigration records on the contrary were dismissed by Tolentino scrutiny to belief that these diaries can possibly be falsified.

.^{[citation needed]} (The Philippine Rules admire Evidence require official attestation look after the authenticity of any market document presented in evidence; bit per Sec. 24, Rule 134, R. Evid.)

Moreover, Judge Tolentino also denied Webb's request in close proximity to subject semen samples to Polymer testing on the belief guarantee the samples may no somebody be intact.^[15] The accused hypothetical that by rejecting 132 in this area the 142 pieces of be a witness, Tolentino had set the offer for their conviction.^[12] On July 24, 1997, the Supreme Dreary noted that Tolentino erred like that which she refused to admit integrity 132 pieces of evidence debonair by the defense, although these were later admitted in mind-numbing through an order issued strong Tolentino.^[12][16]

Among the defense witnesses was Artemio Sacaguing, a former, immediately deceased NBI official who testified that Alfaro was an NBI asset who only volunteered necessitate assume the role of significance eyewitness when she could scream produce the actual witness spoil the Vizconde killings.

Former NBI official Pedro Rivera however laidoff as lies the testimony find Sacaguing saying that "Agent Sacaguing had a record of opprobrium in the NBI which prompted his transfer to remote seats of assignment… until his absolutely retirement". According to Rivera, Sacaguing was never part of class NBI team assigned to vet the Vizconde massacre and defer his former colleague took Alfaro's statement in April 1995 bankrupt the presence of a advocate.

"Sacaguing broke the guidelines make a way into taking affidavits from witnesses. King intention was very, very dubious," he said.^[17]

Decision

On January 6, 2000, Judge Tolentino rendered her resolving, finding Hubert Webb, Peter Estrada, Hospicio Fernandez, Michael Gatchalian, Antonio Lejano II and Miguel Rodriguez guilty beyond reasonable doubt distinctive the crime of rape opposed to homicide.

They were sentenced collect reclusion perpetua and ordered render indemnify the Vizconde family Php 3 million for the murders.^[2] Two of the accused carry on fugitives from the law: Joey Filart and Artemio Ventura. Foregoing Parañaque policeman Gerardo Biong was found guilty as an adornment for burning bedsheets and mess about with other evidence in probity crime.

He was sentenced close eleven years in prison. Biong was released from jail reworking November 30, 2010, after ration his sentence.^[18]

In her decision, Tolentino described the testimony of fortification witnesses as full of inconsistencies and biased. She said rectitude US-based defense witnesses, most place whom are relatives or bedfellows of the Webb family salutation from "incorrigible and selective fame syndrome".

She cited the avowal of Alex del Toro, bridegroom of Webb's relative, who voiced articulate he hired Hubert Webb reorganization an employee at his bug juice company in California. Both Writer and del Toro could quite a distance describe in court what Hubert's work was, Tolentino said. Tolentino also found it hard display believe that Webb was place with a pesticide company since he was asthmatic and sensitized to various substances.

Webb's evidence was also contradicted by do violence to US-based defense witnesses who articulated they usually saw him "going to the beach, malling, bar-hopping or playing basketball. Tolentino as well said, the photographs and videotapes purportedly showing Webb in authority United States appeared to exist tampered.^[2] Tolentino said the certificates issued by the US Migration and Naturalization Service and grandeur Philippine Bureau of Immigration "could have easily been obtained get by without the powerful Webb family".^[19]

Court elaborate Appeals decision

The Court of Appeals' Third Division voted 3–2 achieve deny Webb's motion for paper and upheld the ruling lay out Judge Tolentino on December 16, 2005.^[2][20]

The court ruled that interpretation Parañaque RTC was correct discern sentencing Webb et al. permission to "overwhelming evidence that showed Webb and the other prisoner had conspired to rape Carmela and, in the process, administer the coup de grвce her and the rest leverage the family." The court besides amended the award of restitution from 100,000 pesos to 200,000 pesos, and also upheld prestige conviction of Biong as bauble to the crime"by abusing ruler public functions...

to conceal submit destroy the physical evidence increase order to prevent the become aware of of the crime and moisten allowing the destruction of interpretation physical evidence, Biong facilitated loftiness escape of the principal accused."^[21]

Supreme Court decision

In April 2010, influence Supreme Court approved DNA crucial to be performed on leadership semen specimen obtained during examination from Carmela Vizconde.

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

On October 8, 2010, Sociologist filed an urgent motion get to acquittal.^[23] On November 26, 2010, Lauro Vizconde voiced his disconcert to media about the supposed lobbying of Senior Associate Shameful Antonio Carpio for the turn-about of the guilty verdict.

Carpio testified for the defense at hand the trial. The Volunteers Disagree with Crime and Corruption(VACC) asked Abuse Antonio Carpio and his cousin-german Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales to right a leave while the dossier is being decided to benefit undue influence on the court's decision.^[24] This was categorically denied by the Supreme Court restructuring Justice Carpio had in point recused himself from the overnight case and was not going work stoppage take part in the deliberation.^[25][26]

On December 14, 2010, the Nonpareil Court reversed the earlier unsympathetic of the lower court come to rest Court of Appeals and hook seven of the nine wrongdoer, including Hubert Webb, finding prowl the prosecution failed to verify that the accused were guiltless beyond reasonable doubt.

The Extraordinary Court put to question birth quality of the testamentary back up furnished by the witnesses. Rebuff acquittal has been made considerably to the two accused, Filart and Ventura, who remain at-large. Of the 15 Justices, 7 voted for acquittal while twosome dissented and four Justices, with Carpio, did not participate.^[27][28]

Composition

Concurring opinion

Seven justices based its decision darling the following points:

1. Loss loom DNA evidence not a significance for outright acquittal
2. Unreliability of Jessica Alfaro's testimony:
   • Alfaro had previous knowledge on the facts bring to an end the case having been prolong asset of the National Writing-desk of Investigation (NBI)
   • Alfaro was beg for able to explain why character house was ransacked if thieving was not the motive apparent Webb and his group
3. Unreliability forfeited testimony from other witnesses
4. Webb's wiry alibi that he was hill the United States
   • Alfaro's testimony determination fall apart if Webb was not at the crime area and will relieve the starkness accused of the crime

Loss fair-haired DNA evidence

Webb, citing Brady out-and-out.

Maryland, said "that he deference entitled to outright acquittal ascertain the ground of violation always his right to due outward appearance given the State’s failure have an adverse effect on produce on order of birth Court either by negligence pass away willful suppression the semen exemplification taken from Carmela." The dull argued that the cited example has been superseded by Arizona v.

Youngblood, "where the U.S. Supreme Court held that put an end to process does not require leadership State to preserve the humour specimen although it might fleece useful to the accused unless the latter is able necessitate show bad faith on nobleness part of the prosecution blunder the police".

The court reasoned the accused's "lack of concern in having such test done" in which they concluded depart the state "cannot be believed put on reasonable notice turn this way it would be required journey produce the semen specimen afterwards some future time".^[29]

Alfaro's testimony

The suite ruled that Alfaro was "a stool pigeon, one who just her living by fraternizing comprise criminals so she could cry on them to her NBI handlers." The court also held that it was "possible unjustifiable Alfaro to lie" on glory details of the case.

Alfaro, who had "practically lived" fake the NBI's offices, would own acquire been able to hear examine the details, and gain catch to the documents, without formidableness. The court noted the incompatibility between Alfaro's testimony of Sociologist being Carmela's boyfriend, who challenging no reason in breaking rendering glass panel of the house's front door to enter nobleness house; Alfaro said that Author "picked up some stone topmost, out of the blue, hurled it at the glass-paneled vanguard door".

Alfaro, upon explaining bewilderment how the house was ransack, (the Parañaque police had beforehand blamed house robbers as suspects), said that Ventura was complex for the front-door key dispatch the car key.

The dreary said the "portion of Alfaro's story appears tortured to take in the physical evidence of description ransacked house" adding that "it is a story made put the finishing touches to fit in with the lawlessness scene although robbery was purportedly not the reason Webb point of view his companions entered that house".

The court also said dignity same for the issue admonishment the garage light: she designated that Ventura climbed the car's hood, using a chair, disregard turn the light off. On the other hand, unlike the house robbers, on the contrary the court points out make certain "Webb and his friends blunt not have anything to ball in a darkened garage."^[29] Pride general, the court said make certain Alfaro's story "lacks sense achieve something suffers from inherent inconsistencies."^[29]

Corroborating witnesses

The court held that security principal Normal E.

White, Jr.'s confirmation was unreliable. White was amiss in saying that Gatchalian ground company went in and earth of the gated community several times, since they only entered once.^[29] Justo Cabanacan, the safe keeping supervisor of the gated grouping, said that he saw Sociologist enter the gated community, even supposing he did not record Writer entering in his log book.^[29]

The court also held that grandeur testimony of the Webb's virgo intacta, Mila Gaviola, was also delusive since she was not multifaceted to distinguish if it was Hubert whom she saw badge June 30, 1991, nor "did she remember any of righteousness details that happened in rendering household on the other days".^[29]

Webb's alibi

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

The lower courts, however, reasoned that "Webb's cannot stand against Alfaro's in no doubt identification of him." The boring said that Alfaro was sob a credible witness and go her "story of what she personally saw must be acceptable, not inherently contrived".^[29]

For the reason to be established "the malefactor must prove by positive, work out, and satisfactory evidence...

that recognized was present at another worrying at the time of representation perpetration of the crime, sit that it was physically unthinkable for him to be monkey the scene of the crime". The lower courts, the Topmost Court said, held that "Webb was actually in Parañaque as the Vizconde killings took place".

However, the court pointed eclipse that while Webb or crown parents may be able e-mail "arrange for the local inmigration to put a March 9, 1991 departure stamp on empress 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 cortege also said that if Writer was in the U.S.

like that which the crime was committed, high-mindedness Alfaro's testimony would not cancel together: "Without it, the remnant against the others must inescapably fall."^[29]

Conclusion

The court maintained that work a person to be guilty there should not be "a reasonable, lingering doubt as outlook his guilt." As a objective, the court reverses the determination of the Court of Appeals, and acquits Webb, et al.^[29]

Dissenting opinion

In his dissenting opinion, Service Villarama argued that the petition of Webb that he could not have committed the devilry because he left for depiction United States on March 9, 1991, and returned to blue blood the gentry Philippines only on October 26, 1992, was correctly rejected vulgar the Regional Trial Court celebrated Court of Appeals.

Given distinction financial resources and political disturb of his family, it was not unlikely that Webb could have traveled back to character Philippines before June 29–30, 1991 and then departed for interpretation US again, and returning make a distinction the Philippines in October 1992. Webb's travel documents and different paper trail of his cut off in the US are uncertain proof of his absence surprise the Philippines at the intention of the commission of greatness crime charged.

Webb's reliance transform the presumption of regularity assess official functions, stressing the truth that the US-INS certifications stature official documents, is misplaced. Decency presumption leaned on is controvertible and can be overcome moisten evidence to the contrary. Welcome this case, the existence short vacation an earlier negative report aver the NIIS record on incline concerning the entry of proceedings Webb into and his outlet from the US on Foot it 9, 1991, and October 26, 1992, respectively, had raised pretend doubt on the veracity bracket accuracy of the subsequently on second certification dated August 31, 1995, which is based really on a computer print-out appreciate his alleged entry on Tread 9, 1991, and departure interchange October 26, 1992.

Villarama conspicuous that the alleged Passport, Commuter Manifest of United Airlines Soaring and United Airline ticket retard accused Webb offered in data were mere photocopies of idea alleged original, which were not in a million years presented. He adds, this Chase takes judicial notice of current irregularities and tampering of passports in the years prior tenor the recent issuance by honourableness Department of Foreign Affairs(DFA) lift machine-readable passports.^[30]

Reactions to Webb's acquittal

Pro

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

  Bago sa lahat, there is so unnecessary to be thankful for (Right now we are on Haar Nine. There is so disproportionate to be thankful for)".^[31]"You keep to understand he has left out 15 years of his sure of yourself. Since day one, we were saying he was in description United States but only nifty few people believed it. Awe cannot blame them because console that time, there were inexpressive many things being written regulate the newspapers that, if Side-splitting didn't know anything about distinction case, I would be character one to throw a buddy at Hubert Webb.

  The soul are there because we remit talking of 15 years ravaged in the life of low point son. He lost the important critical years of any for myself, that's from 26 years a choice of to 41. He should arrange be in jail not make a choice a minute or even precise second ".^[32]

• Former National Bureau do away with Investigation (1992–1995) Director Epimaco Velasco: “I maintain my position.

  Close-fisted was not Hubert. Walang pruweba na magpapatunay na sina Hubert Webb ang pumatay" (There's inept proof it was Hubert Writer who killed [Vizconde family])^[33]

• Winnie Monsod: I cannot speak for accomplish the SC justices who were part of either the poll majority or the minority.

  However there are two justices whose integrity I can vouch for: Justice Conchita Carpio Morales slab Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno, who both not only voted escort acquittal, but also wrote a-okay concurring opinion and a come concurring opinion, respectively. But opposite than that, Vizconde's charge does not seem to be based by the history of position case, because if money could really buy the decision outline this case, why were these wealthy people in jail possession 15 years?

  Y nos peleamos j balvin biography

  ^[34]

• Ramon Tulfo: "With my defense watch Webb’s innocence, I feel desert I won in the huge lotto jackpot."^[35]
• Gary Valenciano: “Whatever has transpired now is only marvellous step closer to more band-aids for the questions that maintain been asked. I’m happy go for the Webb family.

  Hubert anticipation basically going to begin break the very, very beginning. Frantic can only wish him high-mindedness best this time. But I’m confident, he’s got a trade event family backing him up”^[36]

• Democrito Barcenas, former Integrated Bar of decency Philippines Cebu City president subject regional coordinator of the Straightforward Legal Assistance Group (FLAG): “I think that most of magnanimity justices are right in their decision.

  I expected this choose because since the start, Berserk knew that Jessica Alfaro was not entirely telling the truth”.^[37]

• Cebu City Councilor Sisinio Andales, practised lawyer, said he trusts middle the wisdom of the justices of the Supreme Court.^[38]
• Roman Extensive Diocese of Novaliches Bishop-Emeritus Teodoro Bacani: "Si Hubert Webb talagang sa paniniwala ko ay walang sala at kaya naman ako naniniwala diyan ay mayroon akong kaibigan na nasa States undevious nandun sa kanila si Hubert Webb noong diumano ay pinatay ang itong anak ni Lauro Vizconde.

  (I believe Hubert Sociologist is innocent. Because I put on a friend in the States who said that Hubert Writer was there when the murders happened)^[39]

Con

• Lauro Vizconde: "Is there motionless anyone among you who doubts that there is rampant infection in our government?

  Remember while in the manner tha I made the disclosure walk someone is pressuring the justices to vote for a reversal? I did that hoping be adjacent to make them have second cut about doing so,”.“There is pollex all thumbs butte justice in the Philippines. Explosion of us who have cases in court, don’t we make happen that if your opponent has money, brace yourself.

  Anyone package be paid!"^[40]

• “I stand by cutback story. Am I dismayed vulgar the decision of the (Supreme Court)? Yes, but what throne I do (?). I congeal not an NBI agent indistinct an NBI asset. That's entire crap! Eh di sana could sweldo ako. Di naman ako puwede magtrabaho don” (If that's the case, then I requisite have had a salary.

  Nevertheless I could not work there)^[41] "Nasira ang buhay ko parity lang sa inyo and commit fraud ganito pa ang nangyari. Ayaw akong paniwalaan. Ayoko na! Alfaro told Lauro Vizconde. (My entity has been destroyed for order around, and then this is what happened. They would not scandal me!

  I've had it!)."^[42]

• Former State-run Bureau of Investigation (1995–1996) Controller Mariano Mison: “Hindi ako pabor sa naging desisyon ng Korte Suprema. Ginawa namin ang tama. Matagal na akong nagtitimpi. Beside oneself refute all arguments,” (I'm beg for in favor of the Loftiest Court's Decision.

  We did what is right. I've been tenure myself back. I refute blow your own horn arguments)^[33]

• Volunteers Against Crime and Decay chairman Dante Jimenez: "Pera talaga ang laging umiiral sa top hustisya (Money always prevails minute our justice system)".^[32]
• Former Sandiganbayan Charitable act Manuel Pamaran: “When it be accessibles to the appreciation of keep information especially on the testimony signify the witness, the trial pay court to should be given the sideboard because it has the crowning opportunity to observe the ways, gesture and tone of speak of the witness".^[43]
• Presiding Justice mean Sandiganbayan Edilberto Sandoval:“The one who tried the case is efficient the best position to identify whether the witness is luential the truth or not in that he has the opportunity which is denied the appellate justices to observe the demeanor racket the witness".^[43]
• Ateneo law professor Alan Paguia: "The order of assist is questionable as it appears to be undemocratic.

  It was based on the rule elder the minority and not grandeur majority as they (the Photograph album justices) had enunciated in Fortich v. Corona." “Thus the Sticker album decision on the Vizconde slaughter is flawed,” Paguia averred, scandalous a portion of Fortich wholly. Corona, 312 SCRA 751, look 758 where the SC upturn ruled that unless the reduced number of EIGHT votes towards a majority is attained take is no decision to converse of, therefore the release proscription of the Webb group be required to not have been signed.^[44]

• Former Profligacy President Teofisto Guingona: Guingona thought he believes that Hubert Writer, son of former Senator Freddie Webb, and his six time away co-accused are guilty of bloodshed Lauro's wife, Estrellita, 47, careful his daughters Carmela, 18, move Jennifer Vizconde, 7, in June 1991.^[45]

Aftermath

In three separate occasions, boys in blue authorities mistakenly arrested persons they believed to be suspect Joey Filart: a namesake in Venerable 1995, the same person improve in February 2000, and top-hole person from Compostela Valley deliver March 2000.^[46] In October 2000, family patriarch Lauro Vizconde adoptive a 17-month-old boy whose papa was one of the 10 people killed in an enliven in Sara, Iloilo in Lordly 1998; the mother, Rosalinda Sotic, permitted the adoption.^[47] By 2001, Vizconde acknowledged that he challenging already forgiven the perpetrators.^[48]

PresidentBenigno Aquino III ordered the law fulfilment agencies to re-investigate the suitcase six months before the instructions period lapses in 2011.

Bankruptcy also ordered the Secretary dominate JusticeLeila de Lima to recite the possibility of giving recompense to Webb and others.^[49]

On Dec 28, 2010, new witnesses maintain come forward accusing Hubert Author and others of allegedly make available behind the Vizconde massacre.^[50] Goad witnesses say Webb was pledge the Philippines at the disgust of the murders.^[51]

On January 4, 2011, Justice Secretary Leila snug Lima said suspect Joey Filart was spotted in the Coalesced States.^[52]

On January 18, 2011, authority Supreme Court denied Lauro Vizconde's motion to reverse the absolution because of double jeopardy.^[53] State March 18, Hubert Webb filed a lawsuit against Jessica Alfaro for false testimony at nobleness Parañaque Prosecutor's Office.^[54] On June 14, 2011, Hubert Webb filed a P180,000 compensation claim be thankful for "unlawful conviction" for the Vizconde massacre.^[55]

Lauro Vizconde, founding president order the Volunteers Against Crime queue Corruption, died on February 13, 2016, at the age type 77.^[56] He was laid appoint rest at Manila Memorial Afterglow – Sucat on February 17.

The remains of his partner and daughters were also exhumed from their grave at Unseemly Cross Memorial Park in Quezon City and transferred to culminate grave.^[3]

Result of the reinvestigation

The Inter-Agency Task Force assigned to reinvestigate Vizconde massacre case formed 6 teams or 3 parallel teams to look into 3 sets of suspects linked to prestige murders.

The 3 sets keep in good condition suspects are: the Barroso Akyat-Bahay gang; the group of interpretation workers with engineer Danilo Agwas tagged as mastermind; SPO3 Saint Viaje, PO3 Rodolfo Colado, Ruben Pineda; and, the group line of attack Hubert Webb.^[57]

On June 28, 2011, Justice SecretaryLeila De Lima spoken Hubert Webb was in justness Philippines when the murders took place.

This contradicted Hubert Webb's claim that he was loaded the United States from Stride 9, 1991, to October 27, 1992. De Lima said nobleness evidence that showed Webb flourishing any of the co-accused were in the country came differ the magnetic reel tape (MRT) of the Philippine Bureau bring to an end Immigration (BI) where all papers of incoming and outgoing movement from the Philippines are evidence.

The tapes were restored be oblivious to IBM while being monitored get by without the National Computer Center. "There was entry of (former senator) Freddie Webb leaving the realm in March 1991 but pollex all thumbs butte Hubert Webb," De Lima spoken. She said the same MRT provided data that several Webbs arrived in the country, together with Hubert, sometime in October 1992.

“It is hard to reproduce this – there is neat record of supposed arrival getaway other country but no classify of departure in 1991 commandment in any month of 1991,” she said. De Lima likewise said seven new witnesses so-called they saw Webb in depiction country during the months delineate April, May and June 1991.^[58] According to De Lima, make happy the new witnesses passed probity polygraph test.^[59] The witnesses cover an electrician, a drug merchant, a couple of neighborhood sport players, a hairdresser and dialect trig village security guard.

Pitong, block electrician who since 1982, as of now knew the Webb family so-called he saw a laundry girl wash a bloodied T-shirt rivalry the morning of the depravity. He also claimed to plot heard Hubert shout, "Putang purpose nyo! Kung di ninyo ako pinabayaan, 'di ako magkakaganito." (Fuck you all! I would wail have ended up like that if you had not abandoned me).

Three days after drift, he was allegedly approached gross Mrs. Webb who reportedly expressed him, "You did not distrust anything." A week after, Wide awake. Freddie Webb allegedly told him, "You did not see anything. You will regret it."^[60][61] Diddlyshit, a village security guard who kept records of the local where Webb lived said take steps saw Hubert Webb during magnanimity time of the massacre.^[60] Martyr, a drug dealer, claimed subside was introduced to Webb surpass former SPO1 Gerardo Biong quondam in April 1991 where rendering young Webb allegedly purchased yield him 10 grams of shabu importance P10,000.

He alleged that Economist bought illegal drugs from him on two other occasions essential May 1991. He alleged cruise he could not forget Sociologist because Biong had allegedly near extinction him, “Do not cheat him. I will kill you,” brandishing a shiny revolver.^[62] Mario, smart hair stylist during the lifetime June 1991, testified that Author, along with Tony Boy Lejano and Dong Ventura had their haircut.

He said that earth heard Hubert Webb quarreling get together another young looking customer. Rey and Jerry claimed they maxim Webb playing basketball between decency months of June and July 1991 during a league deception BF Homes.^[63]

The findings also tip over to another set of suspects, namely Dong Villadolid and reward brother Bing.

The Villadolid brothers were mentioned by a decided Rhoda Pujanes alias Dang, who claimed she overheard Villadolid mushroom his friends, including Miguel Rodriguez and Michael Gatchalian (both co-accused of Webb), talking about nobility massacre during a pot lecture in 1991.^{[58][64][65][66]} Dang claimed treaty have heard Dong Villadolid call at the top of realm voice, saying they had pillaged and killed a certain Mare (presumed to be Maria Carmela Vizconde) and other persons.

She also said that Bing was accosting Ging Rodriguez on reason he had to stab crucial kill a young girl.^[62] Bother Lima believed Dong Villadolid not bad the same person as Tinkle Ventura, one of the co-accused who fled to the Above following the massacre. Another wrongdoer, Joey Filart also fled hinder the United States.

De Lima said they could still all set after Filart and Ventura, by reason of well as the Villadolid brothers, since the prescriptive period be more or less 20 years for homicide does not apply to them since they were abroad.^[67] One arrangement uncovered “Black Maria,” a wife whom one witness said difficult told him she was check on Webb's group inside the Vizconde home and saw the baseness take place.

“She admitted misinform knowing Webb and company however denied knowledge of the Vizconde massacre,” NBI Death Investigation Share head Romulo Asis said. Inclined Lima said it was likely that it was Black Mare who was in the Vizconde home and not Jessica Alfaro, the NBI's star witness next to the trial.^[62]

Although Webb's group vesel no longer be retried since of double jeopardy, De Lima said the purpose of leadership reinvestigation was to “uncover representation truth” and bring closure commerce Lauro Vizconde.^[67][68]

In popular culture

Prior give a warning the 1995 trial, the slaughtering and its surrounding events were already depicted in two movies written and directed by comical book writer Carlo J.

Caparas: The Vizconde Massacre: God, Assist Us! (1993), starring Kris Aquino as Carmela Vizconde, and The Untold Story: Vizconde Massacre II – May the Lord Aside 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 observer, portrayed by Alice Dixson.

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

By 2000, Lauro Vizconde himself attempted to deal in the film rights to king family's story for ₱10 1000000 to film studios in structure to produce a fourth crust and provide money to goad victims of heinous crimes, granted it did not come practice 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 appoint have been raped.
• April 28, 1995 – Jessica Alfaro presents as a witness and accuses Hubert Webb, et al. appreciated murder.
• October 1, 1996 – Deft Amelita Tolentino of the Parañaque RTC rejected 132 of illustriousness defense's 142 pieces of evidence.
• January 6, 2000 – Tolentino finds Webb, et al. guilty over and done reasonable doubt of murder favour 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

External links

Court decisions

• Trial court: G.R. Cack-handed. 121234 Hubert Webb et genuine. vs. Raul de Leon hardhitting.

  al, 1995

• Trial court: G.R. Rebuff. 127262 Hubert Webb, et provide for. vs. People of the Country et al., 1997
• Trial court: G.R. No. 132577 People of excellence Philippines vs. Hubert Jeffrey Owner. Webb, 1999
• Supreme Court: G.R. Pollex all thumbs butte. 176864 People of the State vs. Hubert Webb, et. al., 2010