Lawyer withdraws from Enzo Pastor slay case

Lawyer Salvador Panelo on Tuesday withdrew as legal counsel for the family of slain racing champ Ferdinand "Enzo" Pastor, citing “close” ties with the victim's wife, Dalia.

In a chance interview with reporters, Salvador explained that he had previous professional relationship with the couple after he lawyered for them in an acts of lasciviousness case filed by Dalia some four years ago.

The case was eventually settled, he said.

“According to them (police investigators), she is a suspect,” Panelo said. “Given the previous relationship which was close, I think I should not anymore handle [the case], so in reference to that, I am withdrawing as counsel effective today.”

He said he has been with the couple in several trips abroad for racing events.

“Like the family of Pastor, I am shocked and saddened by the turn of events and just like them, I am praying and hoping that Ms. Dalia was not involved for the sake of the children, whom I know also,” Panelo said.

Dalia, whose whereabouts is unknown, is facing parricide and frustrated murder charges in connection with the shooting of her husband last June 12.

Pastor, the first Filipino to participate in the NASCAR Whelen Euroseries Open Championship race circuit, was transporting a race car to Pampanga from Batangas when he was shot in the head, neck, and arms.

Investigators suspect a love triangle involving trader Domingo de Guzman III, the alleged mastermind in the crime, as motive for Pastor's killing.

The alleged hitman, PO2 Edgar Angel of Pasay City police, has reportedly admitted to shooting Pastor purportedly on orders from De Guzman.

Panelo said the last time he saw Dalia was during the commemoration of the 40th day since Pastor's death.

“I believe she was grieving there was no doubt about it,” he said.  —KBK, GMA News