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A Webb of Lies?

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Back in 1991 there was a massacre that killed a number of members of a family here in the Philippines.  The crime was brutal and received huge media coverage at the time.  I can remember sort of following this case when we lived in the States.  Feyma had just come to live in the States a few months before the murders, and the case caught my attention.

A group of young men were accused of the murders, the leader of the pack was Hubert Webb.  Webb was in his 20’s at the time that he was convicted in the case, in 1995.  He and the others that were found guilty as his accomplices were sentenced and sent to prison.

Webb was from a wealthy family.  His father, Freddie Webb was a PBA Basketball player in his younger days, and at the time that Hubert was convicted of murder, Freddie Webb was a Philippine Senator.  So, they were (and still are) both wealthy and powerful.  From everything you hear, people who are wealthy and powerful in the Philippines can buy justice, and do not end up in jail.  But, Hubert certainly did end up in jail.

There was a lot of controversy during the trial.  The chief witness against Webb and his cohorts was Jessica Alfaro.  Alfaro’s story changed a number of times during the trial.  In fact, at first she had said that she could produce a person who had witnessed the crime, but later she was unable to produce such a witness and at that point she remembered that it was she who had witnessed the crime.  Not too convincing, it would seem.

Well, last week there were developments in this case, which was nearly 20 years ago.  The Supreme Court had heard an appeal from Webb and the others, and the group was subsequently acquitted of the crimes.  That’s right, on that very day the group was set free.  It was all live on TV.  I happened to be watching the news when the report came on, and it caught my interest, so I ended up watching the special report for a couple of hours or more.

Freddie and Hubert Webb had a news conference.  Hubert was asked if his father had paid somebody off to gain his freedom.  Freddie replied, though, if his father had wanted to get his freedom through a bribe, why would he not have paid the bribe years earlier instead of letting his son sit in jail for more than 15 years?  This reply, and a number of other replies that the Webbs gave to questions gave me the feeling that indeed a mis-justice had been carried out in this case.  Then, when the news started explaining about how the only witness had changed her story, well, it seemed that it was all very unfair.

But, the ace in the hole was revealed to me a bit later.  Hubert Webb was in the USA when the murders happened!  His Passport was stamped by US Immigration before the murders occurred, and he did not leave until after the murders had been done!  The Passport and the stamp of US Immigration was even verified and authenticated by US officials during the time of the trial.  For some reason, the Judge did not consider the US Government’s authentication to be very valid, though.  As I saw one attorney point out last week… it would not be so surprising to find that Philippine officials had been bribed to fake an immigration stamp, but it is nearly unthinkable that the US Government could be paid enough money to do such a think.  What would they have to gain, after all?

So, Hubert Webb and the others are now free after 15 years in jail.  While I have no inside information or anything, after seeing the various reports and such, I believe they were innocent all along.  To have lost 15 of the best years of their lives was indeed a miscarriage of justice!  Webb has a son who was 2 years old when he was incarcerated.  The young man is now 17 and does not even know his father.  What a shame.

Of course, I am very sorry for the loss that has been endured by the Vizconde family, it is a tragedy.  However, if it was an innocent man who was convicted, that does not serve the victim family either.

Merry Christmas to all involved in this case.  I hope that justice can be found these many years later.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. I was there during that time.
    Something doesn’t sound rite.
    Correct me if I’m wrong.
    From what i can remember.
    They could not find the records of him on the flights to America, and balic.
    And he said he was working in his Family pest control business.
    But had no knowledge of what his duty’s were or the tools used or how to go about it.
    And I think at that time. He also could not produce valid stamps on his passport.

    • Hi Douglass – According to the news program I was watching, on ANC, passport was produced, and stamps were verified by the US Government. But, on that, I am only going by what the news said. I have no other knowledge of it.

      Now that you mention the pest control business, I remember that part from it that many years ago.

      • I worked for The Termite Guy a few years after this happened, with his family and several other unrelated employees… They all swear he was here in the US when these horrible crimes happened… I can see how a family may “lie” or “cover” for their loved one, but there were so many unrelated people that said he was here in the US, and none of these people had anything to gain for lying for him… There was overwhelming evidence of him being here in the US… I have lost touch with my old co-workers, and absolutely cannot beleive this corruption continues… It makes me sick…

        • Hi Joni – I personally believe he was in the USA when the murders happened. I believe that his time in jail was a huge miscarriage of justice.

        • A very rich and powerful man who desperately needs to overstay in the United States ? ? That doesn’t make sense ! He has everything to have a good life in the Philippines. I’m a Canadian Citizen myself and I have relatives living in the United States and I’ve been in and out the United States twelve times in seven years and I don’t stay that long. Very suspicious for this Man from a wealthy powerful family. I’m not as wealthy as the Webb Family. But this individual made a decision to violate the immigration law in the United States. What a weirdo ! !

  2. The justice system in the Philippines are applicable to the poor. Justice favors the rich. Many Filipinos knew how many influencial criminals run loose out of jail even in legal/ due process means. Rebels are the real protectors of the oppressed because their is no justice served…Many less fortunate filipinos are sent to jail without any crime committed.

    • Hi Jalil – Do you think that the justice is fair for the poor? Based on what you said, it seems you think that it is in favor of the rich. That is a common thought… I wonder how correct it is. I suppose that is what people in the USA say about justice there too, though. Of course, a classic example is when OJ Simpson was on trial in the 90’s.

    • I do agree that justice in the Philippines tends to favor the rich coz money talks. Attorneys are an expensive bunch of creeps. They will distort half-truths or semblance of truth into whole truths with a clever discourse in the court. They say they represent justice for the accused. They will look for technicalities and loopholes in the law. While no law is perfect, conscience will nudge you to do what is right. However, I don’t agree with extremists’ views from the left or right, there’s no space for lawlessness in a civilized society. That’s why even ‘peaceful’ revolution after EDSA I, doesn’t personally appeal to me anymore moreso with violent revolutions. I just wish that the perpetrators of this crime will be put to justice and the 20-year time limit will be repealed by an act of congress, if possible.

      • Jonathan- the next time some drunk driver runs into your car and family , or you are mistakenly accused of something, or someone wrongs you and costs you a bunch of money- do not hire a lawyer. Just represent yourself in court. That way you wont have to deal with ” a bunch of creeps” !

        • Ian,

          Are you a Filipino? Or a lawyer? Are you hurt with the way I describe lawyers? Because it seems you are unaware of the general perception of lawyers in the Philippines. However, they are necessary evil in a court of law. And don’t you ever give myself and my family as an example in your rants, you do not know who i am. Merry Christmas!

            • I don’t know what you’re problem is Ian and why you are venting on me. I’ve written my opinion and if you can’t take it , why bother reading it? I won’t even bother to give you the satisfaction of revealing to you who I am and don’t give a BS about your opinion. The last time i checked this was Bob’s page, if you want people to talk to you make your own goddamn website! Happy New Year.

        • Not all lawyers are creeps. I agree some are, but alot of them volunteer there services to help the poor people who cannot afford them.

        • Hi Ian – Maybe you have had a bad experiance with lawyers in the past but my wifes family have several practising Attorneys both current and over several generations an they are certainly not creeps as you described them. Instead of generalising its better to be specific if you have a complaint.
          Regards.
          Jim.

          • Hi Jim,

            It’s not Ian who called them as creeps but me. Yes, it is a strong word I know. That’s my opinion as a Filipino who have a lot of experiences with those ‘creeps’ but I won’t specify the cases coz this is not a complaint page. Let me put it this way, lawyers are like politicians. But we can agree to disagree nicely like both you and Randy did but what pisses me off is if people start dissing the way Ian did making a personal attack on me and my family which is way below the belt.

            To all, this would be my last post, sorry if I hurt anyone and to Bob thank you for creating this website.

            Goodbye.

            • Hi Jonathan – Thank you for being man enough to admit it was you who said they are creeps and not Ian.
              Please don’t go away from the group as your say in matters is important and we all here have our own point of view and different nationalities have different ways of expressing it.
              I’m sure Ian was just emphasizing his point of view.
              Regards.
              Jim.

              • I know that Jonathan has told us that he will not be posting here anymore and normally I wouldnt say anything else at this point, but since Jonathan has posted that I ‘ making a personal attack on me and my family” I thought it best that I make it clear what remark I made . In reply to his post that all lawyers are creeps
                I posted ” Jonathan- the next time some drunk driver runs into your car and family , or you are mistakenly accused of something, or someone wrongs you and costs you a bunch of money- do not hire a lawyer”
                I trust the readers of LIP are intelligent enough that I dont need to say any more .

      • With regards to the Philippine government system, corruption is very obvious here. Maybe I could say that it favors the rich however, there is a reason for it. On the issue of murder, it also depends on the evidences being thrown. I cannot comment anymore with the victim. All I know is I pitied them, coz they are just a victims of the work of enemy.

  3. I also remember the security Guard saying he entered in a car with his friends some of them girls. and left some time later.
    And later 1 of the girls with him said.
    They were high on drugs and he was upset that his GF there dumped him.
    And further described how they tied up her & her sister and
    How they were pleading for there lifes.
    Then stabbed them and killed everybody in the house.
    so there would not be any witnesses.

  5. Ummm, if it was Hubert Webb who was accused of the murders, then his father, Freddie, being in the USA would mean nothing in the case… right? I just read it and it seems Heubert and Freddie are mixed up, or is it me? 🙂

  6. Sometimes I beleive that in the Philippines being rich and connected can get you the justice that you want- unless of course someone richer and better connected decides they want to cause you problems

  7. hi bob, id like to disagree with ur friend jalil, he calls rebels protectors not true they come into areas of places like salay and surounding mountains brain wash and try to kidnap the poor young kids to use in there so called army using force and threats killing to prove there point. that dont sound like protection to me. im happy i witnessed the dead bodyof a rebel hanging in front of the pnp office 4 years ago in salay i hope and prey they all end that way. sorry bob thats just how i feel on what he said.

  8. Hey Bob,
    Passport stamps would hold up in a US court of law. I think there has been a miscarriage of justice. However, this all begs the question…Who did commit these crimes??? Hmmm! Tune in next week…..

    • Hi hudson – I agree. I learned something by watching the coverage of this case… they said that the murders occurred 20 years ago this coming May (2011). They went on to say that there is a statute of limitations of 20 years, so unless they catch the killers before May 2011, there can be no case against them. I was shocked to learn that there is a statute of limitations for murder in the Philippines. In the States, for murder, there is no statute of limitations! Amazing, don’t you think?

      • Bob-
        There are prosecuting attorney’s that just want to make a name for themselves, and will press forward with the case dispite evidence to the contrary staring them in the face. Witness the Duke Lacross players that were accused of rape, only to find out that the accuser was an outright liar, and the prosecuter knew it all along.

      • It’s crazy isn’t it? It’s strange how our lawmakers had put a limit on criminal cases such as this one. I think it’s wise to repeal that law or ammend it.

        • Hi jonathan – even if the law is changed, the statue of limitations would still be the same in this case. The change would affect all cases that happen beginning when the law is changed.

          • Oh, what tangled webBs we weave….

            While an amendment to or repeal of the existing statute of limitations will not retroactively affect prior cases, it will afford victims of future unspeakable crimes a fair and legitimate opportunity at justice instead of a mere race against time. Such a ludicrous rule of law that sets a limitation to the identification and conviction of perpetrators of despicable crimes causes the very injustice it tries to protect innocent victims from.

            I am neither for, nor against Hubert Webb; I guess the idealist in me would side with justice (the lack or complete absence of which, I think, deserves a blog entirely on its own – but that’s a discussion for another day), which is completely rendered moot when an utterly egregious crime goes unsolved and an equally abominable criminal walks because “the time is up,” for lack of a better set of words. In the race against time, consequently, evidence is mishandled and wrong people are convicted. Regrettably, the injured party is victimized all over again, only this time by the legal system.

            Granted, 20 or so years collectively qualifies as a period of time long enough to bring one to justice or, in the alternative, too long a lapse of time during which credible (eye)witnesses may pass on or pieces of admissible evidence may deteriorate beyond value to the case; but having the security of unlimited time on the victim’s side could be enough to ensure that investigative and procedural safeguards are adhered to in ultimately charging and convicting an accused; after all, no time is too much or too long when deciding the fate or future behind bars of another individual.

    • Hi James – I have not heard any speculation on who did the crime. I think that the case had been resolved so long ago that it had not been considered much in recent years. We shall see if they can come up with a suspect before May when the statute of limitations expires.

    • Yes the Guy was dropped by his GF so he wanted revenge.
      They were also very high on drugs.
      Now he is free.

  11. Hi George – Jalil has strong views, he always does, and it’s his right. But, like you, I usually disagree with his thinking. I don’t have a problem with that… we just think differently.

  13. ty bob as u c in me im a peacefull person it upsets me to hear what he said my father in law used to tell me how he had to run and leave his family because the rebles tryed to force him to join, and some were his own family it was join or die, he ran to bukidnon. thats why it hurts me so much ty for your time.

  15. I was born and grow up in Mindanao. Those were the times that its really really hard, its normal to hear gunshots, ambush, massacre. My grandparents did was to keep everybody safe, not to stay late, close the gates b4 six pm, we have a hiding place that we called FOXHOLES. Evry dad or men in the house have thier own guns. Thats too premitive for me to think that we live and grow-up peacefully. Those time justice is never talk about, whats important is to stay alive and whatever you hear and see dont SAY anything so that you will not in trouble. It changes now, people has the right…..and that RIGHT sometimes makes you in trouble. Im happy that everyday there are changes, people think better and logical…..the next generation is more lucky than I AM.

  17. Bob -I think it’s important to mention that valuable evidence was destroyed by a policeman (convicted & recently released after completing sentence) before it was to be examined.

    The Webb’s maid’s claims of washing a bloody shirt, 2 suspects still at large, a notoriously corrupt court system, no reliable witness of Hubert’s US stay DURING the crime…etc.

    It’s a mess.

    I must admit though that I find myself not being sympathetic to the Webbs’ side (as do many of my peers). One thing’s for sure, the courts have failed the Vizcondes.

    I too am no expert on this case and only just recently re-acquainted myself with some the facts. I was a high school senior then & I remember this story captivating the country.

    There are layers and layers to this elaborately bungled case and I’ve stayed clear of posting my thoughts on fb because of this. It’s simply all too sad.

    • Hi macky – I just felt that in seeing Hubert’s demeanor last week, and the way he portrayed himself in the media, I felt that he was indeed innocent. But, whether he is or not… the case was certainly badly mishandled. Why is that word – mishandled – so frequently used here when it comes to cases like this?

      • I didn’t get to watch their demeanors since I don’t own a TV, but you may also have a point since sometimes body language can show things that written articles can’t explain. It’s just such a downer of a story for me to follow. Lauro Vizconde’s story is a true tragedy.

        • Hi macky – I think the problem is that the case and investigation were so royally screwed up that we will never know who is guilty or innocent in the matter. Shame.

          • The reason why the passport stamps were not considered real proof is because they can be easily faked. There were problems with other documents, too like what was mentioned above he was not on any flight lists. There are many ways this could have been faked. For example, what if he had a cousin use his passport to go to the US?

            Also, many different people saw Webb here in the Philippines such as the security guards, driver, even his own family’s maids! How do you explain that?

            I cannot say whether he is guilty or not but the “proof” that he was in the US is pretty weak compared to all the people who saw him in the Philipines. The Webbs could have easily brought a parade of people with cell phone records, pictures, videos, or even just personal witnesses who saw him in the US, where was that evidence?

            The only real proof in my eyes would have been the DNA evidence which was deliberately destroyed by one of the investigators, no doubt he was paid by the guilty party.

    • I’m sorry I can’t just agree with the sincerity of Herbert.
      I and I’m sure all the people there that followed the case.
      believe that Hubert was Guilty.
      And everybody knows that a case against high family’s hardly ever comes out fair.
      That is (saddly) the way things like that work in Philippines and countless other country’s .
      Now if i remember right that issue was brought up back then.
      And they could not verify that passport stamp.
      And if it is for real who is the person who verified it.????
      The 1st time they could not find that person, who verified it.???
      And there were many witnesses with him and seeing him that night there.
      They all changed story’s , went into hiding, dissapered, etc, (as usual) in cases like that and the case took yrs. maybe 6 to 9 yrs. to finish.

  19. In most probability the real killers would not be known during our lifetime. Hubert Webb and his cohorts are now scotfree and can no longer be prosecuted of the same felony they were charged according to the Supreme Court’s ruling. Are they really innocent? Well, we may never know for sure because the case is full of lies and cover-ups. At the beginning of the case, authorities apprehended and jailed one after the other two sets of suspects so as to appear they’d solved the crime. As it turned out they were just fall guys perhaps victims of the power that be to hide the truth from the public view. Mind you, even the police investigator that was assigned to the case attempted to muddle it by burning pieces of evidence that might have given identity as to the real perpetrators of the crime. Then later on the names of these influential families Webb et al. came up as prime suspects. The regional trial court Paranaque after studying testimonies and evidence brought before them found those accused guilty of the crime and gave Hubert Webb et al. lifetime imprisonment for punitive action. In year 2000 the Court of Appeals reaffirmed the lower court’s ruling. But now the supreme court reversed the previous courts’ rulings and said the prosecution panel didn’t proved beyond reasonable doubt their case against these people. Now, are those exonerated by the Supreme Court recent ruling innocent of the crime? Maybe or maybe not. The group of Hubert Webb may even be unjustly spent their time in jail and surely deserved a compensation from government if they were really innocent of this crime. But the most aggrieved party here is Mr. Visconde, the husband and father of the victims in this gruesome killing, because after two decades of long and tedious battles in court, justice for the murder of his beloved wife and children still eluded him.

    • Actually, louie, they can be tried again, to some extent. The Vizconde family has said they will file with the SC for reconsideration of the case. Their acquittal by the SC can still be overturned, and the conviction reinstated.

  23. Hi Mimi – My wife has told me similar stories of her childhood in Mindanao. In the 70’s and the 80’s she lived like that too. I am thankful the Mindanao is a lot safer now, and I pray for the day when Peace will really envelope the island!

  24. Thank you Bob, im dreaming for that ONE DAY…and there is another issues aside from that, more scareful……DRUGS. Well i dont want to elaborate more things about that, im happy that you are a living testimony that Mindano is a nice place to live.

  28. I think it should be added that guns are also a problem, Bob. You and I come from different cultures and whereas I know it’s true that the UK is not free from gun crime and countries like Switzerland where every household has a gun may have low crime rates, it seems to me the proliferation of firearms here only adds to the seriousness of crimes. I find Mindanao overall to be a very safe place and in general, crime is low. However I keep hearing tales of shootings and I believe that part of the problem that caused the more recent massacre was that government allowed one group to more or less run their own private army here. Surely there are enough armed military and security people here without civilians needing to own guns?

  29. Hi Bob – To languished in jail for 15 years for a crime Hubert Webb (and family) emphatically denies he ever had a hand on it is tough. I once saw a movie where 4 Irishmen were wrongly accused of IRA bombings and locked in jail for 15 yrs. There are innocent people languishing in jail and lawyers need to dig deep and to keep going over with all the evidence. In Hubert’s case, inconsistencies were found.

    This case and the result brought me back to another one the most talked about trial… the Hultman/Chapman murder case (Not sure if you’re familiar with the case, 3 expats teenagers shot to death by the son of SC justice). It also happened in the 90’s a month after Visconde. I’m more pissed and sad with the result for that one..the killer was convicted but was given executive clemency. Now that’s injustice!

      • Ye, Bob. what a farce. Just a bit of info on Hultman murder case. Maureen Hultman was a 17 yr old girl, who was shot to death in Makati due to traffic encounter and for a month she was comatose in the hospital then she passed away. Arroyo ( in 2008) pardoned the killer. Did not even notified the family in Sweden (they relocated there after the trial). In the Visconde case, Hubert was acquitted, for Hultman case.. not so. It’s sad. Losing child is painful for any parent.

  30. Hi Dave – My motto on that is… guns don’t kill people, people do! I personally am a supporter of gun rights. We are all free to have our own opinion, though.

  31. My heart goes out to Lauro Vizconde. There is no end of suffering in sight for him. I hope and pray he finds peace. But without justice for his family I am not so sure that will happen. Merry Christmas to all! Gary

  32. Look at the other side of the coin…not only the Head….

    Rebels are the protectors of the mountains of mindanao, if the rebels did not exist…the mindanao is full of quarrying and mining where the real landowners and natives lived in cannot benefit….Only Rich people who grabbed these lands…and foreign corporations…

    Check the COMPOSTELA VALLEY and SURIGAO provinces…

    If no rebels in mindanao….The MOUNTAINS are bald…

  33. well, as someone pointed out, if you just point your finger at someone and say ‘bang’ it’s far less likely that you will kill them than if there is a gun in your hand…

  34. Bob,I lived in the same sub division in Paranaque at the time of the Vizconde massacre.What went on during the so-called investigation was a disgrace – the police sergeant involved has recently been released from prison after being convicted of stealing the Vizconde family jewellery and giving it to his girlfriend -he also burned and disposed of evidence. Two different groups were produced on tv at different times – showing signs of beatings to confess to the crime.On both occasions the so called suspects were released by the court when the judge threw out the “evidence”.As far as I know Hubert Webbs passport was never produced – only a photocopy and I have no recollection of the US verification of the young mans passport entry stamps. Years before Webb was arrested he was rumoured to be involved.Only a few days ago a witness claimed to have played golf with Webb the day before the crime.
    In the case of the Teehankee murderer,the young lady died 100 days after being shot, in Makati Medical centre while my wife was there giving birth to our son.It transpired that the son of the ex chief justice had been known for years to have been shooting and threatening people on drunken nights out – if foreign diplomats children,including the son of a US diplomat had not been involved nothing would have happened.I believe that the US government told the Philippine government to do something as it was not open season on diplomats children – they got the FBI involved so no coverups were possible. The police did nothing until they were forced to by the TV appearance of a security guard who witnessed the killings and had given them the licence plate number of the car involved. Jejomar Binay the then Mayor ofMakati personally escorted Teehankee to jail.The Danish stepfather of the girl who was shot went to the prison every day for months to make sure he was kept there – he was beaten up by the prison guards for his persistence. This was another shame on the so called justice system of the Philippines.
    At about the same time as these crimes the son of the ex fiscal of Pasay and his girlfriend were abducted from outside a restaurant in Quezon city – later found stabbed to death in Bulacan. The father conducted his own enquiries and found a security guard who witnessed the incident ,when he went with him to the local police station he identified the Desk Sergeant as one of the kidnappers!
    Shortly after this the head of the American chamber of Commerce of the Philippines – an American – was kidnapped,in the course of his rescue 5 people were shot dead by the anti – kidnap squad – some weeks later the lady police officer in charge of the squad was charged with the kidnapping!
    I could go on and on with similar cases – the 2 military officers who were murdered by police Major Jaylo in a so called drug bust – General Lim appeared on tv that night with a briefcase full of what he claimed was heroin – the city analyst appeared on tv a week later to say there was no heroin in the packets but there were traces of heroin on the packets – make what you like of that.
    The Philippine police force is corrupt from top to bottom,incapable of reform as anyone trying to reform it would be lucky to survive days. The higher up the chain of command the larger the bribes that have to be paid – this is one of the downsides of this paradise we live in.
    Just be grateful that we live in this society but are not really part of it. Recently a Scot was murdered in Manila – when his parents came to collect his body and possessions, the police said they could not find his diamond ring – how did they know he wore one? A Philippino businessman was killed in the same area and the police stole his gold I.D. bracelet and substituted a brass one – his family had influence,kicked up a stink and recovered the real one.
    My company storekeeper witnessed the police execute 4 men in custody,arrange the bodies around a car – later in the day announced as a gunbattle with carnappers. How many policemen were involved in the Maguindanao massacre?How many will be convicted?What chance does the country have when the police force are corrupt to this degree.

    • Hi Brian – There are so many bungled cases that we could throw them back and forth for hours on end, and not even touch on most. It is a shame, and needs to be addressed. As Blogie pointed out in another comment, best to stay far away from any kind of trouble so that you can avoid the “justice” system all together!

      • Bob – these are not bungled cases i.e. incompetent police work,these are cases where graft and corruption are used to exonerate and protect the guilty.A previous writer says its not the fault of Filipino people but of the system that things like these cases occur. I find this ingenuous to say the least – the system was created by Filipinos and it is Filipinos that commit the abuses – a little bit of self assessment is needed, as at present the Filipino people are in denial as to what goes on.Lip service is paid to condemning the corruption -a case of going through the motions ,but there is no real sense of outrage. It grieves me to make such a criticism – it gives me no pleasure to highlight the dark side of Philippine culture and society but pretending it is not there is not the answer. I have been around the islands for over 20 years and have been sickened by events at times – when I first came to work here, through a friend ,I spent an evening having a few beers with some young rebel army officers – followers of Honasan and argued with them that they were anti democratic in wishing to overthrow an elected government – they informed me that it would be the only way to get rid of corruption – at the time I disagreed strongly with them but with hindsight I have come to the conclusion they were right.

        • Hi Bryan – Sorry if I misinterpreted. Corrupt or not, I would still consider the cases bungled, though. Perhaps we have a different interpretation of the word, though.

  35. hi bob just a comment to jalil i agree there are 2 differnt types of rebels but for some reason i only see and hear of what i talked about yesterday i do have an open mind and respect all comments from everyone, i just wish i can see the rebels u talk of one day that do good. my mountain we own are covered in lanzones never bare lol. jalilk mayb we can b friends and talk more and id understand a differnt view one day. ty 4 ur time.

  36. @George thanks….

    We must always look at the other side of a coin…Dont judge the rebels….The rebels are serving for the cause without compensation…While military serving for the salary and corrupt system….U cannot always say GOVT is always on the right side…A GOVT can be manipulated by those who have influence for the benefit and protect their interest of the Few and Elite, Corrupt individuals.

    Dont just instantly believe in the news..bcoz they are so biased…

    Rebels died for the People…Govt soldiers died not for the country but for their corrupt masters behind the govt…

    Filipino people are very GOOD but The problem in the philippines is the corrupt SYSTEM…

    Do you know how many rebels in the Phils?

    CPP/NDF/NPA (Active and Growing)
    Getting funds and support from people and countries

    MILF (Active and Fast Growing)
    Getting funds and support from people and countries

    MNLF (Active but under Tripoli-Agreement)
    Getting funds and support from govt, people and countries

    Magdalo (AFP – pro-People)

    Alex Boncayao Brigade (now dormant, former sparrow squad of NPA)
    Rajah Solaiman (Dormant) categorized as bandits not actually rebels
    ABU SAYYAF (Active and secretly growing) categorized as bandits not actually rebels

  37. Presence of Rebels are an indication that the GOVT “system” is corrupt….

    Do you know the highest crime rate in the philippines?
    Concentrated in Metro Manila

    Why? There are no rebels…

    Do you where is the lowest crime rate?

    Mindanao….

    Mindanao has a conflict for centuries after the intrusion of Spain.

    Mindanao turned into conflict due to WAR modes of the GOVT.

  38. Hi Bob, no they can’t be tried again (Hubert Webb el al), because that would be tantamount to double jeopardy which is prohibited in Philippine jurisprudence. They may tried other suspects in this crime like the first two sets of suspects they apprehended in the initial stage of the case, because if I’m not mistaken they weren’t convicted of the crime. They may also include in the trial Webb’s co-accused Antonio Ventura and Joey Filart who are still at large until today. But not those acquitted by the Supreme Court recent ruling of the case. This was pronounced by Midas Marquez, spokesperson of the SC. Even Sec. De Lima made it clear that if the reinvestigation they will be conducting (upon the recommendation of Pnoy) would still point to Hubert Webb et al. as prime suspects, then they would terminate it. Lawyers for Mr. Visconde can file a motion for reconsideration, but that would only be exercise in futility as indicated by the court’s spokesman. We may never know if those accused were guilty or not, but as of this time they are scotfree and can longer be bothered by any legal court of the land.

  39. Bob,

    Thanks for this article. Like you, it grabbed my attention. I didn’t know anything about this news. I furthered research the thing on the Internet and so I googled it and sure enough it was there. I clicked on, Supreme Court decision on Webb, Lejano, et al| ABS-CBN News. Very interesting read from the RP’s Supreme Court on their “acquittal” decision for Webb and others. I’m at the middle reading the Dissenting Opinion, it’s a long read somehow! Reads like a thriller novel. These guys were released because the prosecution failed to prove the accused of their guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Somebody OUT there is or are guilty! But life goes on in the Philippines and life does go on in the Philippines. Hey, it’s the Yuletide season in the Philippines! WOW, what a gift these guys have for Christmas! :0)

  40. Govt cannot defeat rebellion….even he will bring all the forces in mindanao….

    I believe, The MILF alone has a reserve ground forces more than 1million…willing to wage war if that necessary…

    But the MILF seek PEACE settlement to gain MORO independence…They are tired of waging wars for centuries…

    The Problem PH GOVT is not Serious….WAR is there excuse …

  42. The rebels you heard in the news such as kidnapping, robbery, killings, are actually the so-called bandits and plain criminals and claiming they are rebels as their excuse….

    Kidnapping in Manila alone are criminal elements who are ex-military or ex-police, etc.

    • Jalil,

      Like they said, there are two sides to every story. There is your side and there is my side. And to some, there’s both sides! Peace! :0)

  44. Hi Bob,
    There are many ways to verify the validity of his stay in the US prior and after the crime if it was actually been thoroughly investigated. Huberts family lawyer could have done it if that is the only way to prove his innocence. If his father knew his innocence including relatives in the states that could witness his living there then they will not just let him sit in jail for 15 years.

  45. December 29, 2010 at 6:14 am
    Your comment is awaiting moderation.

    Hi Bob,
    There are many ways to verify the validity of his stay in the US prior and after the crime if it was actually been thoroughly investigated. Huberts family lawyer could have done it if that is the only way to prove his innocence. If his father knew his innocence including relatives in the states that could witness his living there then they will not just let him sit in jail for 15 years.

  47. I think people are forgetting that Hubert spent many years in jail. I am a Filipino, living in the Philippines and like every adult at the time of the trials – knowing the culture if the Webbs do have the clout that people seem to associate with them they would have allowed their son to spend 15 years in jail. Yes, he could have been convicted and gone to jail (for show) but his family would certain appeal and they would most certainly win the appeal and gone free. But this did not happen..instead he languished in jail for 15 years!

    • Hi Jen – Firstly, I don’t think anybody forgot that Hubert Webb languished in prison for years, at least I know I didn’t forget about that. To me, that was an injustice. Secondly, just because a family is rich and has clout, that does not mean they are corrupt and will cheat the system to get their son out of jail. In the end, they prevailed, and I believe justly so.

  48. I really want to believe exactly what Freddie Webb explained in court about the first degree charge of his son and eight others. But they really have to represent a sack of explanations about their involvement of the incident. They have to represent their own explanation that they don’t know each other or haven’t seen each other before throughout their lives. Including Jessica Alfaro. To support more stronger evidence. If Webb used any Credit Cards like VISA or American Express to purchase a Plane ticket to Los Angeles. What about other serveillance Cameras of any public places that he’s been to. For example A Bank where he can deposit or withdraw money or a Gas Station where he purchased fuel by using Credit Cards or American Express. What about magnetic tapes from LAX Airport that records passengers entering and departing the Country. I’m not quite certain if serveillance Cameras were already available at that time. If there is. A stronger evidence that he was really in the United States. I hope Hubert Webb has a Green Card. He over stayed in the United States for over a year and a half. Their only relying witnesses from his close relatives , close friends and other people who has a close connection with them. And a question about the other two accused who disappeared after the incident happened. Why would they run away from the justice system if their not really the perpetrators ? Probably they are now in the United States using different identities.