MANILA, Philippines, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Philippine President Benigno Aquino says the Supreme Court should reconsider its ruling and allow live courtroom coverage in the Maguindanao massacre.
The high court ruled against live coverage in the upcoming trials in the massacre of 57 people on their way to file a certificate of candidacy when they were kidnapped, and allegedly killed on orders from an opposition candidate a year ago, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima told reporters Wednesday she is in favor of live coverage "because I really adhere to transparency."
However, de Lima said live coverage of the trial could violate the court's rule prohibiting witnesses from hearing the testimony of fellow witnesses.
"There should be careful evaluation of these matters. We should weigh and balance the people's right to know and the concern of the victims' families against the downsides," she said.
Aquino said he would make his appeal to the Supreme Court in a formal letter to Chief Justice Renato Corona.
