Lacierda on slain journos: Pressure judiciary, not Palace

Pressure for the speedy resolution of cases involving slain journalists should not be exerted on the executive branch but on the judiciary, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said on Monday. At a press briefing, Lacierda stressed that the Aquino administration is “very concerned" with the killings of journalists but added that the matter now rests with the courts where the cases have been filed. “Under this administration, I think, three or four ay na-filean na ng kaso. So maayos po, mabilis po ‘yun. I think the pressure from the journalists should be exerted towards the judiciary and not the executive branch," he said. The Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists Inc. on Monday appealed to President Benigno Aquino III to show political will and put an end to the culture of impunity that has led to the murder of journalists in the country. According to the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP), a total of 142 journalists had been killed in the country since 1986 when democracy was restored following the ouster of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos. At Monday's briefing, Lacierda said the executive branch has the responsibility to prosecute and investigate. “On that part, we have done our best. Our responsibility starts with investigating the crime and prosecuting and filing it." Lacierda also noted that the resolution of the case against the Ampatuan family for the killing 57 people, including 32 journalists, is beyond the jurisdiction of Malacañang. The victims were shot and buried by armed men allegedly upon orders from Andal Ampatuan Jr. on Nov. 23, 2009. He surrendered to authorities three days later and is now under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Andal Jr. and 195 others, including his father and other relatives, policemen and militiamen, are facing 57 counts of murder for the carnage. So far, 82 suspects had been arrested while over 100 remain at large. Lacierda said the Aquino administration had earlier expressed its preference for a live coverage of the hearing, with even President Benigno Aquino III asking the Supreme Court for it. “It is with the courts right now so it is left to the discretion of the courts how they intend to manage the proceedings. We certainly hope that it will be covered live," Lacierda said. — KBK, GMA News