Driver in Mandaluyong hit-and-run case pleads not guilty

The driver in the hit-and-run incident involving a security guard in Mandaluyong City has pleaded not guilty to the charge of frustrated homicide, his lawyer confirmed Wednesday evening.

Last month, Mandaluyong prosecutors said there was sufficient cause to indict Jose Antonio Sanvicente for frustrated homicide.

“Yes, he pleaded not guilty to the charge of frustrated homicide,” Atty. Danilo Macalino said in a text message.

While directing traffic last June 6, victim Christian Joseph Floralde was ran over by Sanvicente's SUV at the intersection of Julia Vargas Avenue and St. Francis Street in Mandaluyong.

Sanvicente was later charged with frustrated murder and Abandonment of One's Own Victim. Prosecutors, however, said none of the qualifying circumstances for murder may be appreciated.

Sanvicente has apologized to Florade for the incident. —LBG, GMA News