Palparan attends hearing without lawyer

MALOLOS, Philippines – Retired Army Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan appeared in a court hearing here yesterday without a lawyer.

Palparan, who is facing kidnapping and serious illegal detention cases for the disappearance of  UP students Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan in 2006, also refused the offer of the Malolos Regional Trial Court Branch 15to avail himself of the free legal services of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO).

He said PAO is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice, which he does not believe in.

The court has tasked the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Bulacan Chapter to assist Palparan in court hearings.