‘Lucky’ still won’t admit killing mom

No, he won’t admit  killing his mother.

The 25-year-old nursing graduate in Cebu City who will be tried for parricide  is  not accepting an  extra-judicial confession he earlier executed.

“The prosecution should prove that the accused executed such confession,” said his defense lawyer Leah Cruz of the Public Attorney’s Office in yesterday’s pre-trial conference.

The discovery of the body of Rubirosa Tenchavez in a newly dug hole in the family’s residence last August was initially tied to Dalangin’s alleged drug use according to the National Bureau of Investiation (NBI) after they were led to the secret burial site by Dalangin, the  victim’s youngest son.

At the time, Dalangin said he slashed his mother’s neck with  a kitchen knife following a quarrel on  Aug. 23.

He said he was angry at his mother  for scolding  him about  broken floor tiles and a damaged computer.

The trial  will start on Nov. 8.

The prosecution will present seven witnesses while the defense is banking on at least three witnesses to prove Dalangin’s innocence.

During  arraignment two weeks ago, Dalangin pleaded  not guilty.

A plea bargain was earlier floated  but the parties failed to reach an  agreement.

Cruz, however, said this can still be explored during the course of the trial  until the prosecution will rest its case.

Dalangin’s father Virgilio, who was present yesterday,  wanted the charges against his son downgraded to homicide so that the penalty would be less harsh.

Dalangin’s parents separate several years go.

If convicted of parricide, Dalangin faces a penalty of  20 to 40 years  imprisonment. REporter ADOR VINCENT S. MAYOL