ABS-CBN execs skip prelim probe into Philsports stampede

Producers and executives of ABS-CBN Network failed Monday to appear before the Justice Deparment’s preliminary investigation into the Philsports stampede, which claimed the lives of 70 game show patrons last month. Only the legal counsels representing ABS-CBN talents and employees attended the proceedings. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on March 8 recommended charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and physical injuries against 17 people involved in the incident, including ABS-CBN executive vice president Charo Santos-Concio and show host Willie Revillame. Respondents from ABS-CBN Network, producer of the “Wowowee” game show, were unable to submit their counter-affidavits. ABS-CBN chief counsel Regis Puno instead asked a slew of clarificatory questions, which earned the ire of state prosecutors. Government lawyers said ABS-CBN should have instead included their clarificatory questions in their counter-affidavits and refrained from raising the issues during the preliminary investigation. The Department of Justice (DOJ) scheduled a March 27 date for the second hearing. Also present in the DOJ proceeding were survivors of the stampede at the PhilSports Arena, formerly the Ultra, on February 4. Victims were represented by Volunteers against Crime and Corruption (VACC) chairman Dante Jimenez, who had earlier initiated a class suit against ABS-CBN for allegedly forcing victims to sign a waiver that would inhibit the victims’ families from pursuing criminal charges against the media network. Senior State Prosecutor Leo Dacera asked the victims to refrain from putting up the placards they were carrying while the hearing was ongoing. The placards carried appeals for justice and assistance for the wounded. The NBI said about 30,000 people lined up outside the venue for days hoping they would win cash prizes at the first anniversary of the "Wowowee" game show. ABS-CBN lawyers presented before state prosecutors video footage of a television interview with Secretary Raul Gonzalez where said the game show organizers were remiss in security preparations that could have precluded the tragedy from happening. The lawyers insinuated Gonzalez had become biased about the incident. Gonzalez is the approving authority before findings in the preliminary investigation becomes final. Dacera assured the lawyers that the investigation would be fair and impartial despite Gonzalez’ statements. Aside from Revillame and Concio, the NBI also found potentially liable for the incident network executives Cory Vidanes, executive vice president for entertainment and production head; Marilou Almaden, production manager; and Rene Luspo, assistant vice president and head of security. Also included in the charge sheet were Morly Stewart, "Wowowee" executive producer; Harold James Nueva, associate producer; Norbert Vidanes, director; Rey Cayabyab, assistant location manager; Francisco Rivera, location manager; Mel Feliciano, assistant director; and Jean Owen Garcia, floor director. Investigators also found possible culpability on the part of PhilSports Arena management and security officials, namely Jess Velardo, building administrator; Erlinda Reis, booking and events coordinator; Rosenbar Viloria, Goldlink security staff director for operations; Wilfron Onanad, security-in-charge; and Chito Payumo, security-in-charge. The NBI also recommended administrative charges against Pasig City Mayor Vicente Eusebio for reportedly failing to secure comprehensive security and contingency plans from the show organizers. The 2,500-page NBI report contained 71 autopsy results, 300 sworn statements and other official documents from the PhilSports management and Goldlink security agency, which was tasked to maintain security at the venue grounds.-GMANews.TV