Bantag loses appeal to bar DOJ prosecutors from murder probe

MANILA – Prosecutors conducting the preliminary investigation into the murder case against cashiered Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) director general Gerald Bantag said Tuesday they have denied a motion for reconsideration for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to back off and refer the case to the Office of the Ombudsman.

Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Charlie Guhit confirmed to the media that the prosecution panel has “issued an order denying the motion for reconsideration filed by Bantag.”

Bantag and other respondents, including persons deprived of liberty, have until Feb. 8 to formally dispute the charges arising from the death of broadcaster Percival “Ka Percy Lapid ” Mabasa and inmate Jun Villamor in October last year.

Villamor was the supposed middleman in the alleged murder-for-hire contract.

Guhit said if the defense side fails to file counter-affidavits, the prosecution may opt to submit the case for resolution “given the limited period for the conduct of preliminary investigation.“

Rocky Balisong, Bantag’s counsel, filed the appeal for reconsideration following the Jan. 17 order of the DOJ to turn down the plea for inhibition.

“No room for inhibition can be had in these cases,” the DOJ said in rejecting the motion filed by Bantag’s camp. “Apparently, for the panel to inhibit the entire DOJ is beyond its authority because such action will also include the proceedings applicable to petitions for review under the DOJ. Otherwise stated, to rule on the inhibition of the entire DOJ would be contrary to existing laws and rules of procedure.” ■