Malolos court asked to reverse Palparan acquittal

MANILA, Philippines — Raymond Manalo, the witness who led to the conviction of Palparan in a 2018 case, on Tuesday filed a motion for reconsideration in his abduction case weeks after the Malolos court ruled in favor of Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan.

Manalo requested the Malolos Regional Trial Court to reverse its decision, arguing that their evidence was sufficient to establish conspiracy involving Palparan and the two others accused.

On October 6, Malolos RTC Branch 19 acquitted Palparan due to inconsistencies regarding the identification of the accused and the points in the crime charged. 

“Here, it is respectfully submitted that the Honorable Court overlooked, misunderstood, and misapplied the surrounding facts and circumstances of the case in finding that the Prosecution failed to discharge its burden of proving the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt,” the motion read.

Manalo also said that they have sufficient evidence to prove the identities of Palparan, and the co-accused individuals. 

“Focus should be given to the fact that Raymond was able to consistently testify on the participation and cooperation of the accused Dela Cruz brothers in executing his abduction,” the motion read. 

The witness further stressed that his testimonies were affirmed by a different court in Malolos and the Court of Appeals case of Empeño and Cadapan. 

“Without relying on the weakness of the defense's evidence, they can stand on their own and are so credible in and of themselves, they are far more deserving of weight and probative value,” the motion read.