Malacañang said on Tuesday, July 31, that National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) head Liza Maza and three other former party-list lawmakers should turn themselves into the authorities, following the issuance of warrants of arrest against them.
In a Palace briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Jr. said Maza should respect the rule of law.
“If they are innocent then they should in fact surrender, recognize the jurisdiction of the court and prove their innocence in court,” Roque said.
He continued, “She has to heed the warrant of arrest. Not even the President can interfere in our judicial process.”
Arrest warrants were recently issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 40 in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija against Maza, and former representatives Rafael Mariano of Anakpawis, and Satur Ocampo and Teddy Casino of Bayan Muna for murder charges filed against them in 2006.
The four party-list lawmakers were accused of involvement in the abduction-slay of Danilo Felipe in 2001, Jimmy Peralta in 2003, and Carlito Bayudang in 2004. The three victims were said to be supporters of rival partylist Akbayan.
However, the accused denied the charges.
Asked about Maza’s status as NAPC head, Roque said the President has not yet issued any directives but clarified that she still holds the position.
“She hasn’t been fired but because she’s wanted, she may become a fugitive if she doesn’t surrender,” the spokesman noted.
If Maza goes on an AWOL or absence without leave, Roque said Duterte will have to decide on her continuing appointment.
“She cannot be absent. Her office is very critical to the fight against poverty and we cannot have a secretary who is a fugitive from the law,” he stressed.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde on Monday said they are currently tracking the whereabouts of the four respondents as they received a copy of the arrest order.
“The PNP is duty-bound to implement orders of judicial authorities,” Albayalde said on a press briefing.
“That is our Constitutional mandate that law enforcers must abide with due consideration to human rights and dignity of the accused,” he added.
The country’s top cop also appealed to the four accused to just surrender themselves to judicial processes.
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