Former Abra Governor Vicente Valera was convicted by the QCRTC in the murder of former Abra Representative Luis Chito Bersamin. zambales.gov.ph
President Benigno Aquino III personally thanked the justice branch on Friday for resolving a nine-year case on the murder of Abra Representative Luis Chito Bersamin.
“Umpisahan ko ho itong talumpati sa isang pagbati para sa naging pasya ng hukuman sa kaso ng namayapang Congressman Chito Bersamin,” Aquino said during the groundbreaking of the new Supreme Court complex in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.
(Let me start my speech congratulating the decision of the court on the case of the late Congressman Chito Bersamin.)
“Matapos nga po ang siyam na taon, sa wakas, ay nakamit na ni Chito at ng kanyang pamilya ang tunay na katarungan,” he added.
(After nine years, at last Chito and his family have obtained justice.)
Aquino said Bersamin was his colleague when he was still in the House of Representatives.
“Natuwa ako nang nabalitaang nagkaroon na ng resolusyon ang kaso,” the President said.
(I felt happy when I heard the news that the case has been resolved.)
READ: Ex-Abra governor Valera found guilty of killing political rival
The Quezon City Regional Trial Court has convicted former Abra Governor Vicente Valera of murder. It said Valera had Bersamin killed because of political rivalry.
Bersamin was shot in the head at the Mt. Carmel Church compound in Quezon City after attending the wedding of his niece.
His police escort was also shot and killed.
Valera and his two close-in security were sentenced to 40 years in prison because of the crime. Kristine Angeli Sabillo/RAM