Paras has been facing multiple murder and frustrated murder following an ambush-slay in Barangay Manluminsag, La Libertad, Negros Oriental on March 9, 2007.
The former lawmaker was accused as mastermind of the ambush that killed seven people including the village chief of Barangay Aya, La Libertad.
Five others were injured, including Jorlan Baylon, son of the slain chieftain.
William Paunilian, one of the principal suspects, was the one who pointed Paras as mastermind of the crime.
Earlier, Paras denied all allegations against him but recently he refused to be interviewed, and instead trusted his lawyer as spokesperson.
Dupio, speaking in behalf of Paras, said his client is never charged with any crime. But, he refused to elaborate the statement to avoid prejudice.
Dupio also emphasized that the explanation is written and subscribed by his client in his sworn statement submitted to State Prosecutor Ceilitolindo Luyun.
Luyon, based in Department of Justice (DOJ)-Manila, acted as Provincial Prosecutor for this case.
Dupio, however, said he has no copy of Paras's affidavit but said only that his client is innocent.
Paras failed to attend the recent preliminary investigation held at the City Prosecution Office in Dumaguete City Friday.
Luyon clarified that it will not affect the case since Paras has took his oath before him during the first preliminary hearing.
Hope against hope
Meanwhile, the victim's lawyer Raymund Mercado described their winning chances as hope against hope.
Mercado, in a separate interview with Sun.Star, refused to specify the terms saying let us wait for the resolution of the case.
He is confident though that the testimony of the witnesses and evidences are strong enough to elevate the case against the accused.
Mercado is a senior lawyer of the private complainant Jorlan Baylon with lawyers Allan Martinez, Anthony Ferrolino, and Michael Bandal.
Baylon, son of slain chieftain Lydio, is among the survivors of the ambush-slay.
All survivors have submitted their sworn statements in a main case, which is already elevated before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Guihulngan City.
Mercado further said the main case is archived pending for the answer of the Supreme Court (SC).
The complainant's private lawyers have asked SC for the transfer of venue from Guihulngan, where Paras came from, to Dumaguete City.
Resolution
Prosecutor Luyon targeted to release the resolution of the case in the middle of April.
Luyon told media that both parties were informed about the termination of the preliminary investigation Friday.
He is giving the option to both parties to file their respective memoranda within 15 days from the termination of the preliminary investigation.
A murder case is a non-bailable offense under the recent criminal laws and the Revised Penal Code.
