from the Vera Files: Ex-UP Collegian editor at NKI on conditional release

FORMER University of the Philippines Collegian Editor Ericson “Eric” Acosta, political prisoner under the democratically elected Aquino administration, flew back safely to Manila early Friday after close to two years of detention at a Samar sub-provincial jail.

He was immediately taken to the National Kidney Institute for renal treatment in Quezon City.

Up to late the Thursday night in Calbayog City, the office of Gov. Mila Tan and provincial jail warden Victor Templonuevo tried to delay the conditional release of Acosta.

The same warden tried to also stall the release by first demanding that two more jail guards escort Acosta to the NKI.. Then he demanded that the accompanying party wait for proper travel and mission orders for the escorts to come from Catbalogan, which is 72.5 kms away.

Chief Persida Rudea Acosta (not related to the detainee) of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) scolded Templonuevo over the phone, reminding him that the the judiciary is above any local government executive or a military commander. Thus, the ruling in favor of Acosta could not be overturned by a governor or even a general. (read more . . . )