Palace on Maguindanao massacre case: ‘Yes, we are confident of conviction’

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang expressed confidence Monday that the government could secure a conviction in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre case despite a rift between private and public prosecutors.

“Yes, we are confident,” Palace spokesman Edwin Lacierda said at a press briefing. “In the estimation of the public prosecutors, there is more than enough evidence to sustain a conviction.”

Private lawyers Nena Santos and Prima Jesusa Quinsayas publicly questioned last week the prosecution’s plan to rest it case against some of the accused in the multiple murder trial.

Lacierda rejected suggestions that the Palace intervene in the conflict.

“What we are after is a successful prosecution. But these matters are details that need to be discussed between the public and the private prosecutors. And since they are all under Secretary Leila de Lima, perhaps [she] can discuss these matters with both sides,” he said.

Lawyer Harry Roque, a private lawyer for relatives of 15 mediamen killed in the massacre, earlier downplayed the rift made public by Santos and Quinsayas.

“The conflict is between lawyers Santos and Quinsayas and everyone else,” he said.