Mandaluyong hit-and-run suspect no show in first hearing, ordered to answer raps

MANILA, Philippines — The Mandaluyong Prosecutors Office gave Jose Antonio Sanvicente, driver of the sports utility vehicle that figured in a hit-and-run,  until Thursday next week, June 23, to answer the criminal complaints filed against him.

Sanvicente facing a complaint for frustrated murder and violation of Article 275 (2) or abandonment of persons in danger and abandonment of one’s victim when he rammed his car against security guard Christian Joseph Floralde on Julia Vargas Avenue last June 5 and escaped.

The case is currently undergoing preliminary investigation. The respondent, however, was absent during the first hearing of the case.

During the preliminary investigation, only Sanvicente’s counsel, Atty. Danny Macalino, appeared before the prosecutors’ office. He said they would still have to secure a copy of the complaint before responding.

Meanwhile, Floralde personally appeared before the prosecutors’ office. His lawyer, Atty. Federico Violena, said Floralde affirmed his affidavit and they have submitted pieces of evidence to support the complaint.

Christian Joseph Floralde attends the preliminary investigation on the frustrated murder charges filed against hit-and-run suspect Jose Antonio Sanvicente. Image from Tetch Tupas

“Syempre tuloy ang kaso, kailangan ng hustisya [The case will push through. We need justice],” Violena told reporters.

On June 23, Sanvicente, who already surfaced at Camp Crame last June 15, is expected to personally appear before the Prosecutor’s Office to subscribe to his counter-affidavit.

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EDV

/abc