ABS-CBN seeks amicable settlement with Ultra stampede victims

ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. is proposing an amicable settlement with the victims of the tragic stampede that killed 74 people last Feb. 4 during the first anniversary of the TV game show Wowowee in Pasig City.

Former Justice Undersecretary Regis Puno, who is the lead counsel for ABS-CBN executives indicted in the tragedy, told reporters yesterday that as early as last Thursday, management had initiated talks for an out-of-court settlement with the victims.

"Our clients have repeatedly said they are willing to settle all the claims and give justice for all concerned," Puno said.

Puno said he has also asked for a meeting with officials of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption, which is assisting families of the victims, for a dialogue.

"As early as Day 1, ABS-CBN management has promised assistance for all the victims. Kinikilala naman ng ABS-CBN ang moral at pinansyal na responsibilidad at tuloy-tuloy naman ang suporta sa mga biktima," Puno said.

During the continuation of the preliminary investigation on the stampede yesterday, the DOJ panel, led by State Prosecutor Leo Dacera, decided to defer the preliminary investigation by 10 more days, or until April 6.

This will allow ABS-CBN to secure a temporary restraining order against the DOJ panel on grounds that it cannot act with partiality on the case since it has conducted a fact-finding probe with the National Bureau of Investigation.

Puno said this has caused the justice department to pre-judge the case against the 17 ABS-CBN executives.

Meanwhile, the NBI said yesterday the criminal case filed by the relatives of the 72 victims and 900 individuals who were injured during the Ultra stampede might be dismissed if the complainants agree to an amicable settlement.

Said that the respondents’ legal counsel Regis Puno hinted on the offering of an amicable settlement to the victims during the continuation of the preliminary investigation at the Department of Justice (DOJ).

"If they are willing to enter into an amicable settlement, it might affect the case. It might lead to the dismissal of the case. I think that the victims and families of those who died would agree to the proposal because many of the victims belonged to the marginalized sector," head agent Ferdinand Lavin, of the NBI-NCR said.

He added the families might opt for the financial assistance offered by ABS-CBN rather than spend more for transportation just to attend succeeding hearings. "Alam naming bottom line talaga yan." – With Evelyn Macairan