Palace on arrest warrants vs ex-solons: ‘Let the process run its course’

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Friday, reacting to the issuance of arrest warrants against four former Makabayan bloc representatives, said Malacañang respects the independence of courts.

“The matter is still with the [Palayan City, Nueva Ecija] Regional Trial Court. The Palace will continue to respect the independence of the courts,. We should therefore let the legal process run its course,” Roque said in a statement.

Bayan Muna party-list Chairman Neri Colmenares earlier confirmed that warrants were issued against representatives Satur Ocampo, Teddy Casiño (Bayan Muna), National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretary Liza Masa (Gabriela), and former Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano (Anakpawis).

READ: Colmenares confirms warrant vs former Makabayan lawmakers

The four were accused of alleged involvement in the abduction and killing of Bayan Muna critics during the administration of former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2004.

Colmenares did not comment if the developments of the case were related to the recent election of Arroyo as House Speaker on Monday. — Syrah Vivien Inocencio, INQUIRER.net Intern

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