Jaworski son arraignment on attempted murder, illegal gun possession reset anew

MANILA, Philippines - Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 139 Judge Benjamin Pozon ordered Wednesday the re-scheduling to Feb. 10, 2016, the arraignment for attempted murder and illegal gun possession against Ryan Joseph Jaworski and his co-accused Joselito Au.  

Jaworski, son of basketball legend Robert Jaworski and his driver, Au were supposed to be arraigned Wednesday morning.

However, the arraignment date was rescheduled after Jaworski’s lawyer, Terence John Dawang informed Judge Pozon that his client had filed Wednesday morning a petition for review of the case before the Department of Justice.

Au’s lawyer, Bonifacio Aranjuez meanwhile requested Judge Pozon that his client’s arraignment be also postponed as pending their petition for the case to be subjected to a preliminary investigation by the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office.

“Considering the pendency of the petition for review before the Department of Justice, the court is granting the urgent motion to suspend proceedings but after 60 days from today, the arraignments will proceed,” Judge Pozon said.

Tension briefly gripped the courtroom when Judge Pozon threatened to have Jaworski arrested after he failed to appear in court during his scheduled 8:30 a.m. arraignment.

At 9:55 a.m., a limping Jaworski with a wooden cane in one hand, entered the courtroom accompanied by lawyer Richard Nethercott.

“Next time, you come early,” Judge Pozon reprimanded Jaworski for coming late.

Last October 23, Jaworski through his lawyer, posted a P480,000 bail for four counts of attempted murder. After posting bail, Judge Pozon ordered his release from police custody.

READ: Jaworski son released on bail

Last October 13, the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office indicted the 40-year old Jaworski and Au for four counts of attempted murder each in connection with a shootout that happened in the city by on September 19.

According to a source, Ryan Jaworski was allegedly selling guns to an undercover operative of the Regional Police Intelligence Operating Unit (RPIOU) of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) along Pasay Road when he became aware of the sting.

Based on reports, Jaworski and his companion tried to resist arrest and fled. Jaworski was shot in the leg after a short chase and was taken to the Makati Medical Center for treatment while his companion was taken into custody.