Minority bloc expresses ‘grave concern’ over raps downgrade in Espinosa slay case, seeks probe

The six-member Senate minority bloc on Tuesday filed a resolution “expressing grave concern” over the downgrading of criminal charges against the police officers involved in the killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa.

Senate Resolution No. 417 was filed by Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, and Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Risa Hontiveros, Leila de Lima, Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, and Antonio Trillanes IV.

The resolution urged the appropriate committee to conduct an investigation as to “why the recommendations of the Senate were ignored.”

The Senate public order committee chaired by Senator Panfilo Lacson earlier said that Espinosa’s death was a case of “premeditated murder.” The committee’s report was adopted by the chamber.

According to the minority bloc, “there is no new evidence or compelling reason for the DOJ to reverse its original findings.”

Espinosa and another inmate, Raul Yap, died after allegedly putting up a fight against the policemen led by Supt. Marvin Marcos who were serving search warrants inside the Leyte Sub-Provincial Jail in Baybay City on November 5.

Marcos, former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Region 8 (CIDG-8) director, and his men walked out of detention after the murder charges against them were downgraded to homicide, a bailable case.

“The downgrading of the criminal charges against the officers of CIDG-8 fuels fears of a growing police impunity in the country,” the resolution said.

“[It also] sends a disturbing message that law enforcers are exempt from the rule of law and that abuses committed by policemen — purportedly in the course of their official duties — will be tolerated and the Constitutional guarantees of due process and the right to life, liberty and property may be ignored,” it said.

Several other senators also support the reopening of the probe, and said that Justice Vitaliano Aguirre II should explain his department’s decision.

Aguirre earlier said he was not involved in the drafting of the resolution that recommended the downgrading of charges, although he has expressed willingness to attend the probe if he would be summoned by the Senate.

The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee when Congress opens its second regular session next month.  — MDM/KVD, GMA News