Lawyer mulls case vs. PNoy for slow Maguindanao massacre trial

MANILA, Philippines - The lawyer representing families of the 15 victims in the Maguindanao Massacre is mulling to file a case against President Benigno Aquino III before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with the Nov. 23, 2009 carnage.

Lawyer Harry Roque said the Aquino administration should be made liable for the slow pace court proceedings of the multiple murder case against the members of the Ampatuan clan.

After five years, the main case against the accused has yet to begin as many of the accused have petitioned for bail hearings.

Roque and some of the victims' family members recently conducted an online conference with United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression David Kaye, who agreed with their position that the President is liable for the slow prosecution of the accused.

"Sumang-ayon naman po si UN Special Rapporteur Kaye na meron talagang pananagutan ang mga presidente kapag hindi naparusahan... 'yung mga pumapatay sa ating lipunan," Roque said in a radio interview.

Roque noted that the case is one of the most horrific incidents in the history of media killings because of the brazen killing of 58 people, including 32 journalists and media workers.

He said the case is also about suppressing press freedom in the country.

"Ang presidente, may obligasyon hindi lang mag-imbestiga pati na rin maglitis at magparusa doon sa mga pumapatay sa lipunan na hindi nga nangyayari sa ating bayan," he added.

He said they will submit a demand letter to the President, asking for a conviction of some of the principal accused in the case, before filing a case at the ICC.