Palace: Tiamzon couple’s conviction a ‘triumph’ of PH justice system

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang welcomed Friday the court’s conviction of couple Benito and Wilma Tiamzon for kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

“The long arm of the law has finally caught up with the Tiamzon couple.  We, therefore, consider this latest court decision as a triumph of the justice system,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

“It clearly shows that the wheels of justice continue to grind,” he added.

Chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo also regarded the court ruling as a “positive development” in eliminating crime through a fair and just trial under a “thriving democracy and independent judiciary.”

“Let this be a reminder to everyone that the Philippines is a republican and democratic country that is governed by the rule of law. The enemies of society and of the government who seek to undermine the integrity of the social order and of the nation’s lawful institutions shall answer for their misdeeds,” Panelo said.

“Those who seek to reform the social and political structure must do so in accordance with existing laws. Otherwise, they shall be accountable and punished accordingly,” he continued.

Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 216 sentenced the Tiamzon couple to reclusion perpetua or up to 40 years of imprisonment. It also ordered the two to pay the complainant, Lt. Abraham Claro Casis, P75,000 in moral damages; P75,000 as civil indemnity; and P75,000 in exemplary damages.

Their cases stemmed from the kidnapping of three military officers and a member of the narcotics command in Quezon province in 1988.

KGA