Justice?

The Philippines was jolted when the  Supreme Court ruled in favor of the accused Hubert Webb and his co-accused in the highly publicized “Vizconde Massacre” Rape-Slay Case which happened in June 30, 1991.  

Hubert then known as the “Bad Boy” of Parañaque City was suspected of committing the crime while NBI agent and a self proclaimed former drug user, Jessica Alfaro was the star witness of the prosecution.

JULIET JAVELLANA/INQUIRER

At the onset, I would like to clarify that that this article neither claims nor denies Hubert Webb’s innocence, it only seeks to find the logic behind the decision of the Supreme Court and possibly what the prosecution could have done or should not have done to change the outcome.

From the very beginning the crime was publicized, Hubert Webb coming from an elite and political family will be released because that is the justice system in the Philippines.  This used by the prosecution agains Webb and his co-accused to gain sympathy from the masses and turned the mob against the Webb’s.

On the other hand, despite their supposed power and influence the Webb family led by then Senator Freddie Webb claimed that Hubert was innocent and that it was impossible for Hubert to commit the crime as he was in the United States of America at that time.  And despite their capacity to hide Hubert, they decided to go through the trial  to prove his innocence.  

Though it was effective as a public relations tool, the prosecution relied heavily on the media and masses, failing to come up with concrete evidence to convict Hubert Webb which would eventually lead to the Supreme Court’s decision. (Prosecution have PR win but Defense wins the legal aspect)

Hubert’s lawyers presented witnesses, including Celebrity and Singer-Songwriter Gary Valenciano, which testified that Hubert was in the US at the time of the incident.  They also presented documents supporting this claim.  The prosecutions only evidence to contradict this fact was the time card of Hubert Webb as an employee of the Senate which showed that they were validated at the time of the incident. 

The Prosecution should have acquired contradictory evidence, proved that the documents presented in court were not accurate and forged.  However, they relied on an easily forged time card which could have been used by any employee or personnel in the Senate. (Defense wins)