Veloso still judge

Regional Trial Court Judge Ester Veloso of Branch 6 will continue handling the murder case filed against SPO1 Adonis Dumpit.

In her order dated May 9, Veloso denied the motion for inhibition filed by Dumpit’s counsel who accused the judge of being biased.

“The inhibition must be for just and valid causes. The mere imputation of bias or partiality is not enough ground for them to inhibit, especially when the charge is without basis,” Veloso said.

“This court has to be shown acts or conduct clearly indicative of arbitrariness or prejudice before it can brand them with the stigma of bias or partiality,” the judge added.

The court scheduled a hearing on June 7.

Dumpit’s lawyers claimed bias on Veloso’s part, who denied their motions for preliminary investigation, bail and transfer of the accused to another jail facility.

Defense lawyer Pedro Leslie Salva declined to issue any reaction on the denial of their motion to recuse or inhibition.

Veloso, who is the second judge to handle the case, ordered Dumpit’s transfer from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Central Visayas (CIDG-7) detention cell to the Cebu City Jail in barangay Kalunasan after the victim’s mother complained that the policeman was allowed to go out because of his familiarity with the police guards.

Earlier, Veloso denied the request of the defense to downgrade Dumpit’s murder charge to homicide.

Veloso also didn’t grant bail to Dumpit, whose counsel, said the prosecution failed to present a strong evidence against the accused.

The defense lawyers filed their motion to recuse on the ground that they have “lost confidence” on the judge’s capacity to conduct a fair trial and render a fair decision on the case.

Dumpit is facing murder charges for shooting dead suspected robber Ronron Go in 2004./REPORTER ADOR VINCENT S. MAYOL