Prelim probe into Mandaluyong hit-and-run incident starts

The City Prosecutor's Office of Mandaluyong City on Friday started its preliminary investigation into the June 5 hit-and-run incident involving a security guard and an SUV driver.

A tweet by Super Radyo dzBB's Mark Makalalad said the suspect, Jose Antonio Sanvicente, did not attend the proceedings.

A Balitanghali report by Oscar Oida, meanwhile, quoted Sanvicente's lawyer, Atty. Danny Macalino, as saying that his client was not required to appear in the proceedings as he has yet to submit his counter-affidavit.

Atty. Federico Biolena, lawyer of victim  Christian Joseph Floralde, expressed dismay that Sanvicente did not appear in the preliminary investigation.

"Medyo disappointed, pero may hustisya naman tayo [we're slightly disappointed, but justice will prevail]," Biolena said in the report.

Biolena Said Floralde submitted his sworn statement before the fiscal. Sanvicente meanwhile is expected to submit his counter-affidavit in the next preliminary investigation on June 23.

Macalino, meanwhile, said both camps have not yet agreed on a settlement although Sanvicente's father has expressed intention to provide medical assistance for Floralde. —Jamil Santos/KBK, GMA News