MANILA, Philippines ? Concerned groups on Wednesday reiterated their call to allow live coverage of the high-profile multiple murder trial of Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. at Camp Crame.
Around 60 protesters, led by the November 23 Movement and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), held a short program outside Camp Crame Wednesday morning.
Armed with placards bearing the words, "No Bail for Ampatuan" and "Yes to Live Coverage," the protesters also called on the courts to deny Ampatuan?s bail plea.
"We are demanding for speedy and transparent judicial process. We hope live coverage will be allowed, within reasonable limits," said Nonoy Espina, vice chairman of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, one of the members of the November 23 Movement.
"These are public officials. So it should be an open hearing. Live TV coverage is not equal to trial by publicity," added Rowena Paraan, executive director of the NUJP.
At the same time, the NUJP also called on the immediate trial of all the other accused in the gruesome murder of at least 57 people, mostly journalists and women, in Maguindanao on November 23.
"We want all the suspects to face the court. It looks like they?re just pinning down Andal Jr.,? Paraan said.
Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. said Ampatuan should not be allowed to post bail.
?We are holding this mass action to support the massacre victims in their opposition to the petition for bail of the principal accused,? Reyes said. ?This action is part efforts of various watchdog groups who want to see justice achieved in this case.?
?We agree with the prosecution that evidence is strong against Andal, Jr.,? he added.
Reyes also assured Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes that she has the "people's support" in the case and that she should allow coverage of the trial.
?The demand for greater media coverage is a reasonable one. There is great public interest in this particular case. Public vigilance is also an important counter-balance to any attempts to undermine the case,? Reyes said.
