SCRIPT
Clerk of Court: All rise, the Court is now in session, the Honorable Judge Larry L. Lopez
presiding.
Clerk of Court: The court is convened for the Criminal case no.10 People of the Philippines vs.
Officer Rodrigo De La Cruz for the case of Homicide. We ask all parties to conduct themselves
with respect and adherence to the laws and rules governing this trial. Now, I will call this case,
and the parties will introduce themselves and their respective roles for the record."
Judge: Please be seated. Today’s case is that of …Now, are there any opening statements?
Prosecutor
…..please state your case.
Prosecutor: Your Honor, ladies and gentlemen, Today, we are here to seek justice for Mario
Garcia, a local businessman who was tragically shot and killed outside a bar in Lambunao, Iloilo,
on the evening of November 5, 2024. The man responsible for this crime is Officer Rodrigo De La
Cruz, a police officer who should have been protecting the community, not taking a life. While
Officer De La Cruz has claimed he was at home with his family when the murder took place, the
evidence tells a very different story. The bullet recovered from the victim’s body was fired from
his own service weapon, as confirmed through ballistic analysis. This forensic evidence clearly
shows that Officer De La Cruz’s gun was used in the shooting, disproving his alibi and placing
him at the crime scene. Under Philippine law, this offense constitutes homicide, as defined
under Article 249 of the Revised Penal Code, which carries the penalty of reclusion
temporal or imprisonment for 12 years and 1 day to 20 years. By the end of this trial, we
are confident that the evidence will prove Officer De La Cruz guilty of the homicide of Mario
Garcia. We seek that he be held accountable and face the full weight of justice for his actions.
Thank you.
Defense Lawyer: Opening statement …
Judge: Does the prosecution wish to call any witnesses?
Prosecutor: the prosecution calls Ms rodelyn Bolero to the witness stand.
Clerk: Ms.rodelyn bolero, do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the
truth, so help you God?
Expert witness: I do your honor.
Prosecution: Ms Bolero, please introduce yourself and describe your expertise.
Expert witness: I am Rodelyn Bolero, forensic ballistics expert with 10 years of expertise analysing
firearms, trajectories, and bullet patterns. I am a certified firearms and ballistics expert.
Defense Counsel: What qualifications do you hold in the field of ballistics?
EXPERT witness: I hold a Bachelor's degree in Criminology with a specialization in ballistics from Alabama State
University. I am also certified by the Association of Firearms and Tool Marks Examiners (AFTE), a recognition that
emphasizes my expertise in this field. I have also undergone specialized training in firearm identification and trajectory
analysis.
Prosecutor:
Expert witness: I compare the evidence recovered bullet to test-fired bullets using the bullet
comparison microscope and identify its similar unique characteristics which are the rifling
patterns, lands and grooves, and striations.
