Prosecutor fears exoneration, plea bargain for Zaldy

A private prosecutor in the Maguindanao massacre case claimed that based on the series of actions taken by some government officials, Malacañang seemed to be eyeing to exonerate suspended ARMM Gov. Rizaldy Ampatuan or enter into a plea bargain agreement with him. Lawyer Harry Roque, who represents families of 15 journalists slain in the Nov. 23, 2009 massacre, said he doubted Zaldy's motive for making several revelations against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. "Kaya tumtulong siya kila President Benigno Aquino III ay dahil may hinihingi siyang kapalit. Itaga niyo sa bato, hihingin niya na mapawalang sala siya sa murder offense or isang plea bargain for a lesser offense," Roque said at a press conference in Quezon City on Thursday. Roque said Zaldy's revelations were "part of a well orchestrated campaign to exonerate Zaldy from the murder charges." Roque said Zaldy could either demand for immunity from charges or enter into a plea bargain in which he could plead guilty to a lesser offense. Roque insisted there was nothing new in the allegations recently made the suspended governor, saying "three boxes" of evidence have been submitted to Congress in past years to prove irregularities under the Arroyo administration. "Kaya huwag po natin isipin na hindi namin mapapatunayan ang mga kaso namin kay Arroyo kapag wala ang statements ni Zaldy," he said. If anything, Roque said Zaldy's allegations only served as a "confirmation" to previous allegations against Mrs. Arroyo on poll fraud and funding irregularities under her administration. Roque said Zaldy's tirades against the former president will not "soften their hearts [lalambot ang puso]" for the massacre suspect. The lawyer said several government officials have been acting as a "bridge" so Zaldy could have a "direct link" to President Aquino and facilitate any agreements. Roque specifically criticized presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda for making statements that the government was not closing its doors on Zaldy's offers and would "assess" his statements to know how they can help in the pursuit of justice. Roque also singled out Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo for assuring Zaldy of his security if ever he needs one. "We also reiterate our concern that the Ampatuans may have regained their influence in Malacañang through Lacierda and Robredo," Roque said. - VVP, GMA News