Abalos Walks Out Of Hearing

Taking a page out of former Chief Justice Renato Corona's book, former Commission on Elections Benjamin Abalos also asked to be excused and walked out of the hearing on his bail petition before Pasay City Regional Trial Court Judge Jesus Mupas. Abalos walked out of the hearing after Judge Mupas allowed North Cotabato Supervisor Yogie Martirizar to testify to determine whether she discharged as a co-accused and instead become a state witness against Abalos on two counts of electoral sabotage during the 2007 polls in Maguindanao. In an interview out of the court room, Abalos said that prosecution panel is just prolonging the hearing on his bail petition by asking the court present Martirizar, calling it a "grave injustice." Joining him in his walkout was his son Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos. However, Abalos returned to the court room after 40 minutes. Judge Mupas rescheduled the bail hearing for June 13. Last Wednesday, Abalos had been granted bail by Pasay RTC Branch 117 Judge Eugenio Dela Cruz on 11 separate counts of electoral sabotage along with co-accused South Cotabato Provincial Election Supervisor Lilian Suan Radam during the 2004 elections. Abalos was hoping that Judge Mupas would also grant him bail so can be freed from detention. He had already posted a surety bond for the P2.2-million bail recommended by Judge Dela Cruz.

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