For the second time, Jovito Palparan Jr. insisted to represent himself in Court for the kidnapping case at the Malolos Regional Trial Court.
Palparan said “there is a question of trust” and that he is not “amicable” with the representation from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Bulacan chapter. He claimed he can defend himself being a former investigating officer.
For the second time, Jovito Palparan Jr. insisted to represent himself in Court for the kidnapping case at the Malolos Regional Trial Court.
Palparan said “there is a question of trust” and that he is not “amicable” with the representation from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Bulacan chapter. He claimed he can defend himself being a former investigating officer.
However, Judge Alexander P. Tamayo of Malolos Bulacan RTC Branch 15 reiterated the Supreme Court ruling that an accused should be represented in court by a lawyer as part of the due process requirement under the Constitution. Failure to comply with this requirement will render the proceedings null and void.
On February 4, Palparan went to court without a lawyer, claiming he had terminated the services of his counsels because he can no longer afford to pay them. He declared he can defend himself in court. Judge Tamayo said that Palparan needed to be represented by a lawyer considering the seriousness of the offense charged, “He lacks the skill and knowledge in the science of law to adequately prepare for his defense.”
“How can Palparan say that he has no money to pay the services of a lawyer when he is running for the senate? Palparan’s gimmickry to delay the proceedings, and possibly render the proceedings null and void, is simply incredible,” said Cristina Palabay, Karapatan Secretary General.
Judge Tamayo previously offered to seek the legal services of IBP-Bulacan chapter, thru its President Atty. Arni Topico, to represent Palparan pro bono but the latter refused. Atty. Topico appeared in court today saying that no one from Bulacan IBP has signified their willingness to take on Palparan’s case.
Palparan also declined to be represented by the Public Attorney’s Office saying they are government lawyers under the supervision of the Department of Justice, which indicted him. Judge Tamayo said Palparan cannot continuously refuse to be represented and the court will be constrained to appoint a lawyer for him.
“Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño’s families have waited for ages now so justice may be served. The Butcher is purposely making up reasons to delay the proceedings. He knows that the weight of evidence against him is strong and this will eventually lead to his conviction,” ended Palabay.