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THE Court of Appeals on Thursday denied the appeal of Arturo Lozada,
brother of broadband scandal star witness Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada
Jr., to summon former National Economic Development Authority chief
Romulo Neri and former Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin
Abalos Sr. as “hostile witnesses” on the alleged abduction of
his brother.
Associate Justice Regalado Maambon of the
appellate court’s 17th Division ruled that the testimonies of the
hostile witnesses are irrelevant and have nothing to do with the
protection order being sought under the writ of amparo petition
filed by Arturo.
Aside from Neri and Abalos, Arturo also asked
the appellate court to summon retired policeman Rodolfo Valeroso,
Philippine National Police Chief Avelino Razon Jr., Senior Supt.
Paul Mascariñas, Manila International Airport Authority Assistant
General Manager Angel Atutubo, and a certain Jaime who is believed
to be from the Aviation Security Group.
But Arturo’s counsel, Lawyer Rex Fernandez,
said they are not giving up on their bid. He said that they would
file a motion for reconsideration within the week.
“It is the basic right of a party to call
their witnesses and to present evidence. To say that it would be
irrelevant is like putting the cart before the horse,” Fernandez
said. “It is clear that Neri knows about the threats.”
Arturo will return to the witness stand for his
cross-examination on April 1.
-- William B. Depasupil
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