“Was that a threat? Because it sure does sound like one.”

That was the reaction yesterday of Philip Arles to the statement of Rep. Mercedes Alvarez (Neg. Occ., 6th District) Monday that should a member of the Arles family run against her in the 2013 polls, it will prove that their moves against her family were politically motivated all along.

The congresswoman’s father, Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr. who is running for governor, and her brother, Ilog Mayor John Paul Alvarez, have been linked to the murder of Judge Henry Arles in a complaint filed before the Department of Justice. Both have vehemently denied involvement in the murder.

“Her family has to face the accusations. This is a murder case, not a campaign, so let's not blur the issue. As politicians and as Filipinos, they must answer to the people,” Philip Arles, son of the late judge, said.

Rep. Alvarez could not be reached for comment as of press time.

“The truth of the matter is that our beloved father who was an honest, hardworking and accomplished judge was murdered defenselessly and the investigation that was thoroughly conducted by the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) points to members of her family as the masterminds,” Arles said.

“We are seeking justice and hopefully, we will achieve that in court,” Arles added.

To say that a member of the Arles family running against her in the 2013 polls will prove that the accusations against her family were politically motivated, is a very irresponsible and illogical statement coming from a lawyer, the judge’s son said.

Whether the murder of his father was politically motivated, only they can answer that, being the suspected masterminds, he added.

On the vice governor’s statement that the criminal accusations against them will make him more popular, Arles asked “Is that how you want your governor to think?”

“Public service is not a birthright. To win an election does not mean that you are or will be a good leader. It doesn’t even mean that you will be exonerated of your crime…It only means that you have money and resources to win at all cost,” he added.*CPG

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