Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Lawyers Deny Issuance Of Arrest Warrant vs Salapuddin - GMA TV

MANILA, Philippines - Lawyers of former Basilan Rep. Gerry Salapuddin on Wednesday dismissed as a part of a "disinformation campaign" reports that a Quezon City court ordered the former congressman's arrest, along with three other suspects in the November 13, 2007 Batasan blast.

The Salacnib F. Baterina Law Office released a statement saying the report was "unfair," noting that the court has yet to decide whether there is probable cause against Salapuddin, who was implicated in the deadly explosion that killed Salapuddin's political rival Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar killed and five congressional employees.

"We call on responsible journalism as we deplore the disinformation campaign regarding the alleged issuance of a warrant of arrest against our client, former Congressman Gerry A. Salapuddin," the statement read.

"We view such disinformation as part of a demolition job to condition the public against our client in spite of his innocence and to unduly pressure the court in which the question of whether there exists probable cause to hold our client for trial now pends. This disinformation campaign goes against the basic rules of fair play and due process. It must not be tolerated by, and has no place in our free and respected media institution," it added. - GMANews.TV

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