Actress Gretchen Barretto appeared at the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday, Sept. 18, for the preliminary investigation into the disappearance of several “sabungeros,” where she filed a counter-affidavit refuting the whistleblower’s claims.
She was the only respondent, according to Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Charlie Guhit, who submitted a counter-affidavit during the session.
Represented by her lawyer, Alma Mallonga, Barretto firmly denied the allegations, asserting through her affidavit that there is no proof linking her to the case.
Mallonga emphasized that the accusations stem solely from whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan’s statements, which she argued lack evidentiary weight.
“Allegations are not evidence,” Mallonga stated, underscoring that suspicion, speculation, and rumor cannot stand as legal proof.
“There is no evidence in this case,” she stressed.
Guhit noted that there are 61 respondents who have been named in the complaints, but many of respondents, including businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, failed to appear during the preliminary investigation.
He added that retired Police Lt. Gen. Jonnel Estomo was present during the hearing.
During the hearing, Guhit said that the complainants swore on the veracity of the complaints they filed against the respondents last Aug. 1 for murder and serious illegal detention.
Ang was represented before the panel by lawyer Gabriel Villareal.
“Si Mr. Ang po ay hindi makakarating today gawa ng hindi po handa ang kanyang counter-affidavit,” Villareal told reporters.
Villareal explained that, during the hearing, “marami sa mga respondents kasama na kami ay nagrereklamo na ‘yung mga ipinadala sa aming papeles ay kulang-kulang.”
He said that while the subpoenas issued to respondents included copies of the complainants and documentary evidence, the USB flash drive that allegedly contains crucial evidence was not included.
After hearing Villareal’s lament, Guhit said the panel of prosecutors asked the Philippine National Police (PNP) to submit the USB flash drive before the panel on the next scheduled hearing on Sept. 29.
Once the USB flash drive has been provided, Guhit said the respondents will be asked to submit counter-affidavits tentatively on Oct. 13. (Jeffrey Damicog)
