Would-be state witness no-show in hearing for Abalos petition for bail

Former Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

For failing to present their witness for the second time, Commission on Elections (Comelec) prosecutors were ordered by the Pasay City Regional Trial Court on Wednesday to put in writing their opposition to Benjamin Abalos Sr.’s plea for bail in the electoral sabotage case they had brought against him.

Judge Eugenio de la Cruz of the court’s 117th branch considered the absence of Lilia Suan-Radam, former election supervisor of South Cotabato, a waiver of her appearance. Radam and Yogie Martirizar, election supervisor of North Cotabato, were the original accused in the case. The Department of Justice had announced it would use Radam and Martirizar as state witnesses against Abalos, but the Comelec had refused to drop the charges against them.

De la Cruz directed the prosecution to submit a formal offer of evidence within five days, Clerk of Court Luithe Cabangunay told the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

“The witness was allegedly  not well enough to come to court,” Cabangunay said.

Judge de la Cruz directed the defense to submit its comment three days after receiving a copy of the offer. After that, the defense lawyers’ request to allow Abalos, former chairman of the Comelec, to post bail would be submitted for resolution.  Miko Morelos