Aquino backs De Lima on ‘new evidence’ in Vizconde Massacre

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III said Thursday he supported Justice Secretary Leila De Lima in her presentation of what she claimed was new evidence that cast doubt on Hubert Webb’s claim he was in the United States during the Vizconde massacre 20 years ago.

In backing De Lima’s findings, Aquino said there were still two accused who have not come within the jurisdiction of the courts and could still stand trial for the triple killings.

“What is her function? To serve the ends of justice. And that’s what the evidence pointed to, according to her,” the President told reporters in Malacanang.

“And let us not forget that there were two [other accused]…. There’s a concept of law that says when the accused is not in our territory, the prescription period won’t run. There are at least two who were never taken in the custody of our courts…. Therefore as far as those two are concerned if there is evidence after we capture them then they could be brought to face the bars of justice,” he added.

De Lima announced her new evidence in a press conference last Tuesday but did not say what new findings she uncovered other than the evidence purporting to show Webb was in the country all that time. She acknowledged that she and the National Bureau of Investigation could not find any witness placing Webb at the crime scene.

In its acquittal of Webb and his co-accused, the Supreme Court said that the prosecution pinned its case on a single unreliable witnesse and failed to prove the accused killed Estrellita Vizconde and her daughters Carmela and Jennifer beyond reasonable doubt.

Aquino said the Webb family could bring their complaints against De Lima before the proper venue.

“We have a democracy in place. We’re supposed to be governed by the rules of law. Then if the aggrieved party thinks that there is basis, then they can file the appropriate charges in the appropriate fora,” the President said.

Does De Lima still have his support? “Yes,” Mr. Aquino said.