Media barred from Zayco-Tan kids' hearing
Iloilo -- News black-out is now on in the continuing saga of the Tan-Zayco families once united and now divided by the union of businessman Bobby Tan and Negros Occidental native, Cindy Zayco.
The couple who was violently killed early January inside their plush mansion in Molo, Iloilo City left five siblings, their 6 year-old daughter butchered as well in the massacre. Two other stepsons were named murder and parricide suspects by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) here. Yet legal maneuverings had the preliminary investigations before the Iloilo City Prosecutor's Office suspended pending the parallel probe being done by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
As such, the media frenzy is focused on the habeas corpus case filed by the Tan matriarch, businesswoman Conchita Tan. Docketed as Special Proceedings 068390, 6th RTC Presiding Judge Adriano Savillo handles the case primarily based on Administrative Circular A.M. no. 03-03-04-SC, or the rule on custody of minors and writ of habeas corpus in relation to custody of minors.
Friday saw the continuance of the Court proceedings that went on entire afternoon. One couple who wanted to get married in Branch 30 decided to look for another Judge after seeing uniformed police, the media and a number of spectators in the area.
"Tani sang aga lang sila nagkadto galing kay puro man to annulment kaso ni Judge kaina. Maayo na gid man nga saylo na lang sila guro ah," one Hall of Justice employee remarked.
Reporters milled outside the lobby of Branch 30 as cameramen and photojournalists took turns to get shots by the glass door of Branch 30 adjoining office, all for a better angle of the Zayco-Tan children. Every time a CIDG operative comes out, reporters would close in for any information.
The CIDG came in full force, "suporta kay Sir (Renato) Gumban ah." Senior Supt. Gumban is CIDG regional chief who stands accused of several charges courtesy of the CIDG's role in the investigation of the massacre and subsequent 'take-over' of the siblings from the Tan household to the custody of the Zaycos.
The News Today (TNT) gathered from Court insiders bits and pieces of the special proceedings. From the Tan side came lawyer Philip Sigfrid Fortun, a 'celebrity' himself for having once defended President Joseph Estrada. He also is the lawyer for a number of controversial movie stars. Fortun came with another associate, yet as one lady reporter quipped with a giggle, "mas guapo ang associate ni Atty. Antonio Zulueta kag Atty. Kune Panes." She was referring to lawyer Rafael Zialcita, one of the counsels for the respondent-Zayco children.
The reporters' long wait was briefly livened by the bathroom break of the defense and prosecution lawyers. Fortun and Zulueta were followed by the camera as they went inside and outside the restrooms, both not issuing any statement to the media.
"What can we report?," one reporter asked.
"That Fortun wore a suit and Zulueta a barong. Pero best-dressed si Atty. Kune," answered in jest by another. Meanwhile, small talks were made by the group to the Zayco relatives. Boy Zayco, an uncle of the children patiently answered queries of the reporters. He was among those who provided moral support to his nephew and nieces. The Tan side of the family was easily identified and distinguished by the media present yet none made an attempt for any conversation.
"Ang mga mestizo mga Zayco, ang mga intsik, te Tan ah," one said.
Altogether, the children were cross-examined for about 20 minutes each. One of the respondent-daughter came out of the Courtroom smiling as she joined other relatives and her brother waiting for the proceedings to end. The hearing continues this week with Senior Supt. Gumban set to take the stand.