Petition for Radio and TV Coverage of the Multiple Murder Cases against Maguindanao Governor Zaldy Ampatuan, et al.
On July 5, 2011, the Supreme Court of the Philippines issued a resolution regarding several petitions related to the high-profile Maguindanao massacre trial. The court noted the entry of a law firm representing petitioners seeking media coverage and the establishment of a special court for the trial. However, it denied the firm's request for access to court documents, affirming that only the lead counsel is entitled to such information. The court also mandated the accused to respond to a motion for reconsideration and required the petitioners to comment on a related motion filed by one of the accused within ten days.
July 5, 2011
EN BANC
A.M. No. 10-11-5-SC
NOTICE
Sirs/Mesdames:
Please take notice that the Court en banc issued a Resolution dated July 5, 2011, which reads as follows:
"A.M. No. 10-11-5-SC (Re: Petition for Radio and Television Coverage of the Multiple Murder Cases against Maguindanao Governor Zaldy Ampatuan, et al.); A.M. No. 10-11-6-SC (Re: Petition for the Constitution of the Present Court Handling the Trial of the Massacre of 57 Persons, Including 32 Journalists, in Ampatuan, Maguindanao into a Special Court Handling the Case Alone for the Purpose of Achieving Genuine Speedy Trial and for the Setting Up of Videocam and Monitor Just Outside the Court for the Journalists to Cover and for the People to Witness the "Trial of the Decade" to Make it Truly Public and Impartial as Commanded by the Constitution); and A.M. No. 10-11-7-SC (Re: Letter of President Benigno S. Aquino III for the "Live Media Coverage of the Maguindanao Massacre Trial"). — The Court Resolved to:
(a) NOTE the Entry of Appearance of Roque and Butuyan Law Offices, 1904 Antel 2000 Corporate Center, 121 Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City 1200, as collaborating counsel for petitioners Editha Mirandilla-Tiamzon and Glenna Legarta in A.M. No. 10-11-5-SC;
(b) DENY the request of aforesaid law firm that it be furnished with orders, pleadings, motions and other legal processes in these matters as only the lead counsel is entitled thereto; caDTSE
(c) REQUIRE the accused to COMMENT within ten (10) days from notice hereof on the Partial Motion for Reconsideration (of the resolution of June 14, 2011) dated June 29, 2011 filed by counsel for petitioners Tiamzon and Legarta; and
(d) REQUIRE the petitioners to COMMENT within ten (10) days from notice hereof on the Motion for Reconsideration (of the resolution of June 14, 2011) dated June 27, 2011 filed by counsel for Andal Ampatuan, Jr." Peralta, J., on official leave. (adv77)
Very truly yours,
(SGD.) ENRIQUETA E. VIDALClerk of CourtSupreme Court of the Philippines