Maguindanao massacre case guilty ruling gives hope in justice system – Robredo

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo on Thursday hailed the conviction of Datu Andal Ampatuan Jr. and other members of the influential family, saying it offers hope in the country’s judicial system.

“Hindi man naging madali ang proseso at mabagal man ang naging pag-usad ng kaso, ang hatol na ito ay nagbibigay sa atin ng pag-asa na posible pa ring makamit ang katarungan sa loob ng ating sistema ng hustisya,” Robredo said in a statement.

(Although the process has not been easy and the progress has been slow, this verdict gives hope that it is possible to achieve justice within the system.)

Apart from Ampatuan Jr., also found guilty by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court were Datu Zaldy “Puti” U. Ampatuan and Datu Anwar Ampatuan Sr., among others.

READ: Andal Ampatuan Jr., kin guilty for Maguindanao massacre of 57 people

Those convicted in the case are all meted with the penalty of reclusion perpetua or up to 40 years imprisonment without the benefit of parole.

“Paalala rin ito sa atin na ang lahat ng kasalanan ay may panahon din ng pananagutan, kahit minsa’y matagal ang paghihintay. Ang batas at katarungan ay walang pinipiling pangalan, maski na ang mga nasa kapangyarihan,” Robredo said.

(This is also a reminder for us that all crimes have a day of reckoning, even if sometimes the waiting is long. Law and justice don’t choose names, even those in power.)

“Masalimuot man ang naging paghihintay, ngunit ngayong araw, nasa panig ng tama at matuwid ang tagumpay. Nakikiisa tayo sa mga mahal sa buhay ng mga biktima ng Ampatuan Massacre at sa buong sambayanang Pilipino sa pagdiriwang ng makasaysayang hatol na it,” the Vice President added.

(The wait may have been difficult, but today, success is on the side of what is right and upright. We join the loved ones of the victims of the Ampatuan Massacre and the entire Filipino people in celebrating this historic verdict.)

Edited by KGA