Jalosjos camp considers re-opening of rape case
MANILA, Philippines – Apparently not contented with being made to serve only 13 years of two life sentences, convicted rapist Romeo Jalosjos on Friday said his camp will seek the re-opening of the case that got him in prison in 1997.
Jalosjos, who was was freed Thursday for Good Conduct Time Allowance, said he and his lawyers have been considering re-opening the case even while he was still detained at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa.
In a report by GMA News’ Dano Tingcungo aired over Unang Hirit, Jalosjos claimed that there were “strong evidence" ignored by the courts that found him guilty of two counts of statutory rape and six counts of acts of lasciviousness against an 11-year-old girl.
“My lawyers — even while I was still inside, while I was still in jail and I was not yet set to be free — already researched on this and we all agreed that a rape trial would vindicate me," said the former Zamboanga del Norte representative.
“There was strong evidence not accepted, not allowed by the court when the hearing was on. In fact deliberately, deliberately suppressed for a purpose, I suppose, because they were in power and they were using the strength of their office to really get my name," he said.
The rape victim’s camp, however, belittled Jalosjos’ plan.
A GMA Flash Report on Friday quoted Lourdes Cruz-Matters, one of the victim’s lawyers, as saying Jalosjos would only be wasting his time if he seeks the case’s re-opening.
Matters pointed out that the rape case has already been decided upon by the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 62 in December 1997, and that the court’s decision was affirmed by the Supreme Court in 2001 and 2002.
A person cannot be tried for the same case that has already been decided upon and has caused the person’s conviction, she said.
Jalosjos was slapped with two life terms following his guilty verdict, but on June 12, 2007, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo announced the commutation of the former congressman's jail term to 16 years, three months, and three days.
The period of Jalosjos' incarceration, however, was further reduced to 13 years, five months, and 15 days because of his Good Conduct Time Allowance.
During his 13-year stay at the NBP, Jalosjos enjoyed a luxurious life. He financed the construction of several establishments within the NBP, including a tennis court, a gymnasium, and a bakery inside the maximum security compound. Outside the complex, he had the Tennis Academy of the Philippines built, as well as a resto-bar in Katarungan Village. Johanna Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV
Jalosjos, who was was freed Thursday for Good Conduct Time Allowance, said he and his lawyers have been considering re-opening the case even while he was still detained at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa.
In a report by GMA News’ Dano Tingcungo aired over Unang Hirit, Jalosjos claimed that there were “strong evidence" ignored by the courts that found him guilty of two counts of statutory rape and six counts of acts of lasciviousness against an 11-year-old girl.
“My lawyers — even while I was still inside, while I was still in jail and I was not yet set to be free — already researched on this and we all agreed that a rape trial would vindicate me," said the former Zamboanga del Norte representative.
“There was strong evidence not accepted, not allowed by the court when the hearing was on. In fact deliberately, deliberately suppressed for a purpose, I suppose, because they were in power and they were using the strength of their office to really get my name," he said.
The rape victim’s camp, however, belittled Jalosjos’ plan.
A GMA Flash Report on Friday quoted Lourdes Cruz-Matters, one of the victim’s lawyers, as saying Jalosjos would only be wasting his time if he seeks the case’s re-opening.
Matters pointed out that the rape case has already been decided upon by the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 62 in December 1997, and that the court’s decision was affirmed by the Supreme Court in 2001 and 2002.
A person cannot be tried for the same case that has already been decided upon and has caused the person’s conviction, she said.
Jalosjos was slapped with two life terms following his guilty verdict, but on June 12, 2007, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo announced the commutation of the former congressman's jail term to 16 years, three months, and three days.
The period of Jalosjos' incarceration, however, was further reduced to 13 years, five months, and 15 days because of his Good Conduct Time Allowance.
During his 13-year stay at the NBP, Jalosjos enjoyed a luxurious life. He financed the construction of several establishments within the NBP, including a tennis court, a gymnasium, and a bakery inside the maximum security compound. Outside the complex, he had the Tennis Academy of the Philippines built, as well as a resto-bar in Katarungan Village. Johanna Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV
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