Justice for Paco and  the Chiong Sisters
                                                                By Marianne & Mona Liza  del Gallego

      We are writing from   California --very shaken and distraught at how our judiciary system in the Philippines continues to spiral down into oblivion.  How can a system that promises democracy and promises to uphold the rights of its citizens choose not to have a shred of morals and continue to persecute the innocent.

      We are referring to the Supreme Court's ruling to send  Francisco "Paco" Larrañaga to death by lethal injection for a crime he did not commit.       

      On the night the crime was committed in Cebu, Paco along with his friends and acquaintances were at a bar in Manila . A number of decent and educated people staked their reputations on the line in pursuit of making the truth known. Sworn affidavits and testimonies were submitted in court. We are among the number of people with Paco that night. Yet our testimonies were not heard. Authorities and students from his school in Manila sent in their affidavits attesting to his whereabouts.

      Yet the numerous testimonies on Paco's behalf were considered less plausible in comparison to the rantings of an unfavorable confessed accomplice-turned star witness David Rusia.

      Photographs of the night in question have been submitted as evidence and the authencity in question but never proven.

      Philippine Airlines passenger manifests proving the accused's whereabouts have been submitted, yet disregarded as inconclusive.

      With all that have been stated, justice still turns a blind eye to our plea for the innocent to be spared and guilty punished. Unless Mr. Larrañaga can defy all laws of Physics, THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO WAY POSSIBLE for him to be at two places at the same time. 

       This injustice speaks far and beyond the lines of being Cebuano or Filipino, it calls upon humanity in general. How can we continue to live in a country where the innocent is punished and the guilty is set free? How can you go about your daily routine knowing that any man can be picked up, charged and incarcerated for a crime he did not commit. Who is to say we are safe in a system that cannot tell right from wrong? How can we sleep at night knowing tomorrow a brother or a sister or husband or wife can just as easily be charged and persecuted for crimes not committed. If it can happen to Paco, it can happen to anyone! We now begin to wonder how many innocent people are in jail as we speak? And it makes me cringe at the thought of the number of unscrupulous parties at large.

      We truly empathize with the Chiong family for their loss. We are two out of 6 girls and we love our sisters dearly, we cannot bear to live with ourselves if anything were to happen to any of them. But putting an innocent man to his death will not bring Jacqueline and Marijoy back from the dead, it will in no way ease the pain of their loss.

      This deep hatred and sense for vengeance can do nothing but dig a deeper hole and create a bigger void unfillable by any means. Such anger can blind one from the truth. Why not put all these energy to good use and slay a bigger dragon? Find the guilty party/parties and have them pay for their crimes. Sending an innocent man to his grave is just as equally heinous and disturbing as the crimes committed against the Chiong sisters.

      We pity the souls of those who intend to play God and pull the plug on this young man's life. We know we are but a little voice in a crowd, a tiny David trying to slay a gigantic Goliath in our quest for justice and the truth be heard. But great things can be accomplished with Prayers and by putting the mighty pen to use. We wish for the truth to be heard and justice be put upon those deserving of its wrath. If not only to save an innocent man from death, but also to set the judicial system straight and make our country, what supposed to be our home--a beautiful and safe place to live in.

      There is strength in numbers and prayers. Please take a moment to say a prayer for Paco, the Chiongs and for the people who have a hold on the case.  Kindly pass this email to as many people you know who are for truth and justice. Thank you in advance.