Joavan pleads ‘not guilty’ during his arraignment
AFTER an hour of waiting, Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 10 Judge Soliver Peras decided to let Joavan Fernandez choose between lawyers Gina ClarusSumbe and Jiecel Tiu to temporarily assist him in his arraignment.
Joavan’s counsel did not show up in court yesterday morning.
“Sa man pilion nimo, Joavan? Kanang usa dalaga (Tiu), kanang usa morag dalaga (Sumbe) (Who will you pick? The one who is single or the one who looks single?),” Peras said.
The judge’s quip drew laughter from the audience and a smile from Joavan.
Cebu City Assistant Prosecutor Raul Cristoria told Peras just to let both lawyers assist Joavan. Peras agreed.
Temporary counsel
“This is first time in history… two beautiful ladies assisted Joavan,” Peras said.
Joavan pleaded not guilty to the charges of illegal possession of firearms, explosives and election gun ban violation.
The cases were filed against him after police arrested him inside the house of his father, outgoing Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez, in Barangay Bulacao, Talisay City last May 6. They allegedly seized from him an unlicensed pistol and a grenade.
Before Joavan entered his “not guilty” pleas on the three cases, a court staff called out his name for his arraignment.
He stood up and told the court his lawyer was not present to assist him. The mayor showed up, but the two did not talk.
Joavan told Peras that his counsel is not Paulino Labrado, but George Bragat. Both lawyers, though, were no-shows.
“I’m really confused on this matter, Mr. Accused,” Peras told Joavan. “Labrado secured the information of your cases from my clerk of court. He will file his notice of appearance today, according to his paralegal. And now you tell me, Attorney Bragat is your new lawyer. “
When Peras asked Joavan if he talked with Bragat, the latter nodded. Bragat is Joavan’s long-time lawyer.
According to court procedure, the judge has the power to appoint any lawyer present in court to assist an accused during arraignment. This is done so as not to slow the hearing of cases.
Last May 24, Joavan’s arraignment was postponed after Labrado failed to appear in court.
After walking out of court with armed jail escorts yesterday, Joavan was asked by reporters if he will join the dancing inmates of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center. Joavan did not answer.