Choy Torralba forgives 'gunman'

CEBU, Philippines – Broadcaster Cirse "Choy" Torralba has already forgiven the man who shot him six years ago, after the latter was acquitted by the Court of Appeals for the crime of frustrated murder.

This means Torralba would no longer bring his case before the Supreme Court.

"I am pained and dismayed by the pronouncement, but I shall let the matter rest. The lawyers of the accused have apparently succeeded in getting him off. Lucky for him, but I know that he still has his conscience to battle with in the remaining years of his life," said Torralba in a statement furnished to The FREEMAN.

Torralba was shot in the left shoulder while in his car last June 8, 2004 after his program over Angel Radio station along Juana Osmeña St., Cebu City.

Torralba identified John Lloyd Ortiz as the one who shot him because of an alleged love triangle.

The Regional Trial Court found Ortiz guilty of the crime. He was sentenced to suffer a jail term of eight years to 12 years and ordered to pay damages amounting to P161,214.00.

Ortiz made an appeal, and the Court of Appeals (CA) reversed the lower court's ruling.

Torralba is not satisfied with the CA decision but will not contest it. He said the CA has inflicted on him another wound, "this time not in the body but in the spirit."

"One harrowing chapter of my life is over. Now, I can go on with my undertakings as a broadcast commentator undisturbed by the ordeal of a court trial. The decision of the court has convinced me more than ever that seeking justice as a victim of crime is tough and arduous," he said. (FREEMAN)