The "Star Witness" Davidson Rusia

-

It's Time to Free Paco Now
 
Comparing one's perspective when one was in high school vs. the present can be a daunting thing. For example, I could get told that, "Maybe the person wants to be friends with you already. Maybe he realized that you were only teenagers and your fight was nothing more than a childish quarrel." As a 13-year-old who got into the case--I once admired what Davidson Rusia did. However, after hearing that Paco Larrañaga was innocent--I was really shocked. Yes, Paco was really in Manila when the crime happened (read here). Why was David even allowed to testify when he wasn't even qualified? That's what the documentary Give Up Tomorrow highlighted. Atty. Florencio Villarin, who may be retired now due to his advanced age, also stated that in Case Unclosed.

A lot of people were interested in what he had to say. At first, I thought Paco was wrongly tagged along with guilty people. However, what Solita Collas-Monsod said in Give Up Tomorrow, if the body wasn't the girl then that puts David into further question. Since I was only in high school and studies were the priority (and I must admit, the Philippine education system is terrible), that also didn't help me understand the case. It was discussed in school. Most people believed that Paco was guilty and that David "did the right thing". However, what Give Up Tomorrow revealed was that David was actually tortured. Get mad at David all you want--he was also a victim in this case! 


This deleted scene from Give Up Tomorrow (which I believe should've been included in the final cut) shows the problem of David's testimony. It was said to belong to the Aznars but it turned out that a certain Dogan Gurkan owned the place, where the rape supposedly happened. Gurkan gave his condolences to the Chiongs while mentioning something was wrong. Gurkan's timeless statement is that he knows David is lying. "Even DNA..." are timeless statements. DNA testing could've proven if the body belonged to Marijoy. Even if the body belonged to Marijoy, further DNA testing will still prove Paco wasn't the one who did the despicable crime. As Gurkan said, "If I wanted to save my life, like Tagalog, I would tell a lie." 

A diagram found on Facebook, apparently owned by
the late Miguel "Juan" Del Gallego y Ripoll

This also brings into question. David was only arrested 10 months later after the initial arrest of the suspects. Paco was arrested on September 15, 1997, and he was in Manila on July 16, 1997. Josman Aznar was arrested for a completely different offense--something that should've allowed him freedom after that. It's often said that Paco and Josman were suitors to the sisters. However, Paco denied knowing Marijoy. However, nothing denies nor confirms that Josman was a suitor to Jacqueline or not. At least only two of the suspects were friends of David--the Uy brothers. I heard the Uy brothers were troublemakers but never went out with Paco or Josman. Rowen Adlawan met the first two suspects but barely knew them. Rowen testified in Case Unclosed that David was tortured into telling a lie (read here). David was a friend of the Uy brothers (which may explain why the Uy brothers were easy to frame). However, neither Paco nor Josman knew David! David talked like he knew them. However, watching Give Up Tomorrow shows David to be rather frightened more than anything, while he was taking the witness stand. 

Phil Life

What I want to note is the oddness of the behavior of Mrs. Thelma Jimenea-Chiong. Sure, let's say that David was repentant of what he did. This is what Mrs. Mimi Larrañaga-Syjuco calls a very odd move. I thought that if someone came forward and admitted to murdering a loved one, would I give that person a birthday cake in jail or a gift? Mimi's answer was certainly not. Mimi expressed her sympathies for the Chiong mother. An article from Phil Life actually talks this about Davidson:
The Chiong Sister case has a strange turn of events 
Rusia had accurately testified of where the body had been dumped, how the sisters had been restrained, and where the pair were abducted from. He also went as far as admitting he had joined in with the rape of the sisters, but did not take a part in the murder.

Despite his sickening recount of the events of that evening, the public still saw Rusia as a hero. He was even granted freedom while the rest of the six remained imprisoned.

Mrs. Chiong went as far as bringing gifts to Rusia after the testimony. Which seemed like a highly unusual gesture to some, as he had just admitted to being a part of the abduction, rape, and murder of her daughters.

Despite the unusual behaviour surrounding the case, many in the public maintained a positive view towards Rusia. Though, this was likely linked to many irrelevant factors. Rusia had lived in the United States, so he was very articulate, with a strong command of the English language. Many also found him attractive, which also began to sway public opinion.

Why did he come forward? Was it because the police offered him immunity, which allowed him to openly tell the story? Or was Rusia forced into his testimony due to some form of manipulation?

Many supporters of the convicted continued to point to inconsistencies in Rusia’s testimony. While Paco and Josman continued to maintain that they did not know Rusia prior to their conviction. It had come out that Rusia had a prior criminal conviction which should have eliminated him from being a witness in the case, but his testimony was upheld.

Rusia also admitted having been tortured by the police. Other detainees within the prison said they had witnessed his torture. But this still changed very little, as there were other witnesses who made statements backing parts of Rusia’s original testimony.

It was later revealed that all the witnesses used by the prosecution had been paid, which raises some very big question about the validity of the entire case.

Now, let's say drugs and alcohol were used during the incident. How can David even perfectly recall the incident? From the American Addiction Center--I'd like to share this tidbit which can further put David's forced testimony into question:
In simplest terms, the brain comprises a network of neurons to process and transmit information. Drugs and alcohol can interfere with the way these brain cells function, altering the way they send, receive, and process signals.

Alcohol and/or drug use—including heavy and chronic use as well as processes involved in overdose and withdrawal—can impact a host of neurological and behavioral conditions. For example, substance use can alter feelings, perceptions, thought processes, and behavior. It can also lead to various conditions involving the central nervous system, including everything from headaches and stroke to seizures and cognitive disorders.  Plus, over time, substance use can even change the brain in ways that contribute to addiction development and make it more challenging to maintain abstinence.
Reading it, can David even remember exactly what happened when drugs and alcohol were used during the alleged rape party? Watching both Jacqueline Comes Home and Butakal gave a clearer idea of what could've happened. Take note that Butakal was just a work of fiction. If Paco and his gang took drugs during the time they did the supposed crime--can David even recall everything perfectly in detail? I don't need to be a neurologist to question it. I may need a neurologist to help explain things. However, I don't need to be one to know that using a combination of drugs and alcohol can affect memory. 

Paco was forced to rely on his own memory--which explains why there was a slight discrepancy between him and the teacher. The teacher had the records that Paco was in school on July 16, 1997. Why did the late Judge Martin Ocampo choose to believe in David? Even worse, Judge Ocampo fell asleep during the trials. It's not a good idea for a teacher or a student to fall asleep in class. How much more if the person is a judge? The higher the position, the higher the responsibility, and the higher the liability. It's like if a teacher sleeps in class--he or she may consider higher punishment than a student sleeping in class. 

As Jourdan Sebastian (who was also with Paco at that time) publicly wrote on Facebook:
Now let’s go to the star witness’ testimony... which as Ms. Lagcao stated, perfectly fitted the evidence provided by the police and prosecution. Here are the facts: 
1. If my memory serves me right... the star witness had a criminal record and was actually in prison for a different offense when he suddenly became a state witness. 

2. He was held by the same authorities who had access to the evidence that was going to be used in court.

3. He perfectly corroborated all the evidences.

4. He was powerfully detailed even if the incidents he was narrating happened more than a year after.

5. He had perfect recollection of what happened even if drugs and alcohol were being used heavily at the time of the crime.

Yet there was a perfect testimony by an imperfect witness... who was granted freedom soon after. 

The testimony of this man was allowed... but 40 people who were all upstanding citizens with zero criminal records, armed with pictures and official documents.... were not allowed to testify? 
When I ran into that certain Atty. Naunsa Ba Ni. As always, I will not leak Atty. Naunsa Ba Ni's Facebook profile. Instead, I'll continue to protect her privacy. However, I still hope that she won't become a judge at any level. Atty. Naunsa Ba Ni might end up doing what Judge Ocampo or retired judge Atty. Amelita G. Tolentino did this during the trials. Amounts of evidence were rejected without being scrutinized. The judge accused the witnesses of bias, while he was biased himself. Why can't everyone be allowed to talk? Even more, suspects have the right to defend themselves. Don't let it be like the late George Stinney Jr.--an African American teenager who was wrongfully accused of murdering two white girls! 

That's why both Michael Collins and Marty Syjuco wanted to find David. David would've had an interesting story to tell if he was found. Who knows what revelation would be revealed. However, the tandem said that David was still missing at that time. Some people claim they already found David who is now a family man. David may have committed perjury but he's a victim too. Hopefully, David will have his conscience to finally step forward to reveal what really happened!

Popular posts from this blog

Was Cesar Virata's Position as "Prime Minister" the Best Proof That a Parliamentary System Won't Work in the Philippines?

-
Image
Kahimyang Project It's often said by some of the now-old folks that the Philippines was once under a parliamentary system. I had some insults from a close-minded political scientist, some former dancer of an OFW, and others whenever I said, "We must shift to the parliamentary system!" They would say, "Look stupid! We already had a parliamentary system back in the Marcos Years!" I ask for the proof and they keep using Cesar Virata. By using insults, they start to make me doubt their credibility. It's because insults and other forms of Ad Hominem attacks are often the favorite tools of sore losers .  I would like to give this an example. One of their best sources is Cesar Virata. At first, it sounds like, "Okay, we had a parliamentary system." However, we must take note that not every country that has a prime minister, is under a parliamentary system. Some of them are still presidential in nature with parliamentary features . I wonder if Mrs. Raissa
Read more

Shifting to the Parliamentary System is Better than Banning Political Dynasties

-
Image
Some Filipinos who are totally against charter change (or constitutional reform) always use political dynasties as an excuse. It's not enough that some of them should keep saying that economic charter change will mean "selling the Philippines to foreigners". Please, if they realize it, developed countries allow 100% FDI ownership--allowing foreigners to own 100% of their business . Back on the topic, I would like to discuss political dynasties and why they're not necessarily bad . Some people keep talking about the anti-political dynasty law--that is one per family. It might be because they still think the first Marcos Administration was a parliamentary system. Please, evidence has been gathered that it was never a parliamentary system, to begin with (read here )!  It's easy to talk about political dynasties. Some people were citing President Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos Jr. as a member of a political dynasty. Some people also cite the Dutertes. I even
Read more

REAL TALK: The Liberal Party of the Philippines Can ONLY Become The Genuine Opposition Under A Genuine Parliamentary Constitution

-
Image
PhilStar It's difficult to talk with people who are still comfortable with what they already know, right? However, the term Dilawan need not be drowned in negativity, but it can be drowned in negativity if the brand gets marred in a popularity-based political system. The Philippines currently uses the presidential system. If we were in a parliamentary system right now--chances are Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos Jr. wouldn't be prime minister due to the difficulty involved as explained in  " How to Become Singapore's Prime Minister, Explained in 7 Steps ". That means all candidates would need to do the following: Study and specialize Wait for the call Tea sessions and panels Take a test Perform well as an MP Win the trust of your peers Prepare for office The Dilawans can call themselves the genuine opposition, march in their proud yellow t-shirts, and more. However, under a presidential system, there's no real opposition, and the platform of any party
Read more

Rare Interview Footage of Ninoy Aquino and Doy Laurel in Japan, Reveal Marcos Years Were NEVER a Legitimate Parliamentary System

-
Image
People who are afraid of shifting to a parliamentary system tend to use the Marcos Years as proof. Fearmongers on Facebook are still up to their old tricks, using the Marcos Years to say, "No to cha-cha!" Never mind that a new constitution had to be written after 1986. If anything, Article XVII was inserted in the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines because it was never meant to be set in stone. Also, the 1973 Constitution of the Philippines was illegal .  Here's a video of the late Benigno Simeon "Ninoy" A. Aquino Jr. and the late Salvador "Doy" Laurel. The words of Laurel here show the problem of Marcos' "parliament". Marcos' "parliament" lacked legitimacy . Where was the sporting chance of the Opposition? If it was a real parliamentary system, Ninoy would've been leading the Opposition in weekly debates against the Marcos-led government. That is if the late Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. was the prime minister. If Cesar Vir
Read more

Lee Kuan Yew and Mahathir Mohamad: Just a Matter of Strong Leadership Without a Good System?

-
Image
Jakarta Globe It's very easy to talk about how we need character change only, not a charter change. I say that having a charter change (better termed constitutional reform ) will lead to character change. The old saying of some boomers goes, "It's common sense that nothing is wrong with the system, just the people running the system." However, when I ask something like, "If that's so then why do other nations have better leaders? What about Mahathir Mohamad and Lee Kuan Yew?" Their answer is, "Well, that's proof that the system isn't defective, it's just the leader." This can also come from people who believe what Atty. Hilario G. Davide Jr. said that there's nothing wrong with the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, that it's the "best in the world". The arguments are clearly illogical at best . Some say that the parliamentary system worked in Malaysia and Singapore because those heading it aren't corrupt. T
Read more

The Vizconde Massacre and Trial by "Trust Me Bro"?

-
Image
As Christmas approaches, another case worth revisiting for history vs. gossip is the Vizconde Massacre. I watched Crime Investigation Asia uploaded on YouTube. I wrote about the documentary Give Up Tomorrow -- a documentary that explores the irregularities while pursuing justice for the late Chiong sisters, Jacqueline Jimenea Chiong and Marijoy Jimenea Chiong. I feel compelled to write about the Vizconde Massacre. For more than 10 years, I used to believe that Hubert Jeffry Pagaspas Webb, son of Freddie Webb, was guilty. It turns out that according to Crime Investigation Asia --it was really a trial by gossip . In my case, I want to call it a trial of Trust Me Bro.  I still read comments about how footage of Hubert in the States could've been "easily tampered". Yet, those who comment haven't presented the evidence. I guess if I asked for their evidence, they'll just say, "Trust me bro!" Granted, photo editing was still in its infancy back then so how cou
Read more

Was the Late John Regala Interviewed by the Directors of "Give Up Tomorrow"?

-
Image
The passing away of John Regala hit today. I remembered a film called Animal (2004) in  which the original title was originally Butakal meaning male pig. Regala starred as Jaco Lozano--an obvious caricature of Juan Francisco Gonzales Larrañaga aka Paco. Strangely enough, neither the Larrañagas nor the Osmeñas were heard to have ever filed a case against the late director Toto Natividad. Instead, it was the Chiong family that filed a lawsuit against Natividad. I did write about  whether or not Natividad himself was interviewed by the directors of Give Up Tomorrow . As mentioned, there was over 400 hours worth of footage and over 100 interviews done . Both Marty Syjuco and Michael Collins may have interviewed not only Natividad, the late Tony Calvento but also Regala himself since he played the film's main antagonist . In 2018, we had an incident when Niño Muhlach apologized to Paco for the portrayal in The Calvento Files . Apparently, Niño himself wasn't interviewed but was prob
Read more

Trust Me Bro: The 1987 Constitution is the Best in the World!

-
I may be no lawyer or constitutionalist but it's time to use common sense . I'm afraid common sense is hardly taught or even encouraged in schools. Right now, I want to do this provocative entry to ask, "Fact or gossip: Is the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines the best in the world?" Yes, you read that right. Hilario G. Davide Jr. said that last 2018 and I'm still laughing at it. I've decided to write this common-sense post to actually contest the idea that, "The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines is the best in the world."  I'm laughing at some things Davide Jr. had said such as, "It' is the only institution in the world where the public office is a public trust." However, this man is terribly wrong because, around the world, we see the doctrine where public office is a public trust. Thomas Jefferson also said that public office is public trust -- way before Davide Jr. was born into the world! I really laughed at their claim o
Read more

Ifugao OFWs in Taiwan and Discovering More About One's Common Austronesian Roots

-
Image
I was doing some research on Taiwan finding out that the natives are indeed Austronesians . It seems that Indonesians and Malaysians may have also settled in Taiwan aside from the Philippines. A look at Mt. Alishan and Banaue Rice Terraces have a similarity. Taiwan has its famous tea terraces. Banaue has its famous rice terraces. Both are cultural heritages that must be preserved! I soon found an article which Ifugao OFWs in Taiwan. Not surprisingly, these Ifugao OFWs can point out several things that are pretty similar. An article called " A Gotad Picnic With Ifugaos Living in Taiwan " would tell of Armand Camhol, an Ifugao OFW, who met with other Ifugaos in Taiwan. Gotad is a thanksgiving festival for the Ifugaos. The News Lens International Edition What was noted by Armand at the end of the article is: The people of Ifugao value hospitality, and as a symbol of friendship, they shared their holiday with their invited guests, who, in return, sang, joined the dances, and made
Read more

Can Anti-Reformists Prove to the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy That the Marcos Regime was a Real Parliamentary?

-
Image
The previous comparison of the CoRRECT Movement was between the late businessman John Gokongwei Jr. and Hilario Davide Jr., a public policy expert. The comparison is pretty much apples and oranges which is why Kishore Mahbubani, founder and former dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) would make more sense. It's not enough to say something. If the source is just merely Merkado CTTO (read here ) then I have every right to doubt it. I tried asking for empirical evidence  they have that the 1973 Constitution of the Philippines was a parliamentary government. The only evidence they have was that there was a prime minister and his name was Cesar Virata. However, further details reveal that Virata was a non-starter and a no leader. From Third World to First , Virata was even considered a candidate to replace the late Ferdinand E. Marcos, a president with powers . A challenge that I want to pose to people who still insist that the Marcos Years were indeed under a parli
Read more