MANILA, Feb 1 (Reuters) - The patriarch of a Philippine political clan must stand trial for the murder of 57 people in November 2009 after his petition to have the charges dropped was thrown out, a lawyer said on Tuesday.
President Benigno Aquino, who took office in 2010, has cited the case as part of his commitment to restoring rule of law and ending a culture of impunity and patronage. The trial is expected to run beyond his six-year term.
The Court of Apeal dismissed Andal Ampatuan Sr's claims of abuse of discretion and failure to observe due process in filing murder charges against him and his sons.
Ampatuan Sr. and one of his sons, Andal Jr, both face the murder charges, Prima Jesusa Quinsayas, a lawyer for the families of some of those killed, told Reuters. "There are no more obstacles for his trial and we hope it will start within the month," she added.
Ampatuan's lawyer could not be reached for comment.
Andal Ampatuan Jr and around 20 members of the local police force and civilian militia have been on trial since September over the massacre in southern Maguindanao province, the Philippines' worst incident of political violence.
Prosecutors have filed charges against nearly 200 suspects, but only about 80 are in custody, including Ampatuan and four of his sons. Andal Ampatuan Jr is the chief suspect.
The 57 victims, including family members of a political rival, more than 30 journalists and some civilians, were killed by around 100 armed men as they travelled to watch the filing of papers for a candidate to stand in elections against Ampatuan Jr.
Ampatuan's family ruled Maguindanao province for nearly a decade and were strong supporters of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. (Reporting by Manny Mogato; Editing by John Mair and Nick Macfie)
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