Magdalo officer asks court for paternity leave

A detained Marine officer on Friday asked the Makati Regional Trial Court for a seven-day leave so that he could attend to his wife who is due to give birth in Tarlac. The plea was made by Captain Gary Alejano through a three-page manifestation filed through his Lawyer Reynaldo Robles. Alejano was one of the six alleged leaders of the Magdalo soldiers who seized Oakwood in Makati on July 27, 2003. He is detained at Fort Bonifacio. Alejano told Makati RTC branch 148 Judge Oscar Pimentel the seven days furlough that he is asking would also enable him to attend the baptism of his child. “Herein accused begs for leave of the honorable court to be allowed a brief sojourn of seven days in the concept of paternity leave so he can travel to his family home located at the LC compound, Rolling Hills, San Nicolas Hi-Way Bamban Tarlac, to be able to be with and or take care of his wife and his soon to be born child" Alejano’s manifestation read. In addition to his manifestation, Alejano also submitted a copy of the medical certificate of his wife issued by the Manila Naval Hospital in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig and signed by gynecologist Jose Arcellana who examined Alejano’s wife, Minerva, last July 9. The doctor also said that Minerva is set to deliver the baby, the couple's second, between July 26 to August 5. Alejano's lawyer said his client prefers to be with his wife from August 15 to 21 and the soldier was willing to comply with whatever security measures the court would impose if the manifestation is granted. State Prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera said they will not object to Alejano’s manifestation. However, the DOJ asked the judge to just give Alejano five, instead of seven days. - GMANews.TV