ULTRA Stampede

MANILA, Philippines -- Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez admitted being worried that the Department of Justice (DoJ) may have committed a blunder in the filing of criminal cases against ABS-CBN for the February, 2006 stampede at the Philsports Arena (formerly Ultra) in Pasig.

Gonzalez said he ordered the panel of prosecutors chaired by Senior State Prosecutor Leo Dacera to study the case carefully to make sure the charges will not be dismissed.

Under existing laws, Gonzalez said cases involving minors should be filed before designated family courts.

Seventy-four persons died and many more, including children, died when fans waiting to be admitted to the anniversary presentation of the ASB-CBN noontime variety show “Wowowee” stampeded.

The DoJ filed reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide and multiple physical injuries against the broadcast network before the Pasig City Regional Trial Court.

ABS-CBN has a pending motion to quash the information filed by the DoJ before the court.

The network said the court has no jurisdiction over the case because it is supposed to be handled by a family court.

"I told the panel to correct the error. It this case is dismissed, we can no longer pursue this otherwise we will be violating their [ABS-CBN’s] constitutional right against double jeopardy," Gonzalez said.