MANILA, Philippines - The principal witness and whistle-blower in the Ruby Rose Barrameda-Jimenez slay case changed his plea to “guilty” during re-arraignment proceedings at the Malabon regional trial court (RTC) yesterday.
Manuel Montero, who formally admitted his participation in the murder of Ruby Rose in June last year, took back his original plea in open court as advised by his new lawyer, Arturo Paglinawan.
Malabon RTC Branch 170 Judge Hector Almeyda cautioned Montero about the possible consequences of changing his plea.
“The court will sentence him accordingly or as the law provides,” said clerk of court Jesus Fernandez. He told The STAR they already know the consequences but was not at liberty to disclose it until the court has made a decision.
Paglinawan said the change of plea is in preparation for his seeking to be taken under the state witness protection program. He added that he is filing a motion to discharge his client as a suspect before the court.
Montero pleaded not guilty when arraigned some three weeks ago upon the advise of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), his previous lawyers, who have since withdrawn from the case.
Paglinawan said Montero had wanted from the very beginning to enter a guilty plea but was, however, dissuaded by his PAO lawyers and prevailed upon to enter a not guilty plea.
Rochelle Barrameda, Ruby Rose’s younger sister, told The STAR in an interview after the hearing yesterday that the issue was “not explained well” to Montero.
Rochelle said the motion to discharge Montero was withdrawn when he pleaded not guilty during the first arraignment. – Jerry Botial