Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Francis Orcio

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — Whistleblower Julie Patidongan’s legal counsel, Atty. Manuel Ventura, joined other defense lawyers at the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 185 on Tuesday afternoon for a hearing on seven counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention filed against their clients in connection with the disappearance of several cockfight enthusiasts.</p><p>Patidongan and five co-accused, Gleer Codilla, Mark Carlo Zabala, Virgilio Bayog, Roberto Matillano Jr., and Johnry Consolacion, did not attend the session after executing a waiver of appearance.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/19/atong-ang-gretchen-barretto-patidongan-deny-links-to-alleged-bribe-try-1252">Ang, Barretto, Patidongan deny links to alleged bribe attempt</a></div><p>After the proceedings, Ventura declined to comment, citing the sub judice rule that bars parties from discussing cases already under judicial deliberation.</p><p>“Sub judice eh’. Sub judicial rule. The case is now under judicial deliberation, so we cannot give any comment,” Ventura said in a brief ambush interview.</p><p>Tuesday’s hearing continued the prosecution’s presentation and cross-examination of witnesses.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/17/2-arrested-for-bribing-missing-sabungeros-complainant-to-drop-charges-0802">2 arrested for bribing &#x27;missing sabungeros&#x27; kin to drop charges</a></div><p>One of the lawyers for the accused, Atty. Orlando Mendiola, said the session primarily focused on the testimony of a Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) officer.</p><p>“The witness is just an administering officer of the CIDG. Siya lang iyong pinanumpaan ng mga affiants,” Mendiola said.</p><p>The court set the next hearing on November 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., when the prosecution is expected to resume presenting its witnesses for further cross-examination.</p><p>Patidongan, a whistleblower in the probe into the missing sabungeros, is now among those facing charges in one of the country’s most high-profile cases involving the controversial cockfighting industry.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/18/gretchen-barretto-attends-doj-hearing-on-missing-sabungeros-case-1341">Gretchen Barretto submits counter-affidavit on &#x27;missing sabungeros&#x27; case</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q9S20m9Y17w?si=v0j3yYbsjlZXMmOq" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div>

<p>Whistleblower Julie Patidongan’s legal counsel joined other defense lawyers at the Manila court on Tuesday afternoon for a hearing on seven counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention filed against their clients in connection with the disappearance of several sabungeros.</p>

Whistleblower Julie Patidongan’s legal counsel joined other defense lawyers at the Manila court on Tuesday afternoon for a hearing on seven counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention filed against their clients in connection with the disappearance of several sabungeros.

Court hearing continues on kidnapping charges vs whistleblower Patidongan, 5 others

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Court hearing continues on kidnapping charges vs whistleblower Patidongan, 5 others

Francis Orcio,

ABS-CBN News

Published Sep 23, 2025 05:29 PM PHT

Read More:

Julie Patidongan

Missing Sabungero

Cockfighters

Manuel Ventura

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