Two interesting developments transpired today, September 4, in what was supposed to be the preliminary investigation of the case of Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Homicide filed by Lorayne Pardo against actor Richard Gutierrez, 25. Lorayne, 29, is the widow of Nomar Pardo, 42, who was Richard's personal assistant—better known in the entertainment business as a P.A.—and who died from a car accident last May 22 where the actor was the driver. (Click here to read related story)

One, Cavite Provincial Prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco announced to the press that the two parties were "open to settlement." At the same time, having issued a gag order prohibiting Lorayne and Richard from talking about the case, the two parties were unable to confirm or deny this.

Two, Lorayne's legal team says it finds the day's procedure "disturbing," saying that no hearing transpired, yet they had been called precisely to attend a preliminary investigation. Instead, what it got was a session on amicable settlement.

"OPEN TO SETTLEMENT." Cavite prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco told the press today, September 4, that the two parties in the Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Homicide case filed against actor Richard Gutierrez were "open to settlement."

After more than two hours of a closed-door mediation, which began at 10 a.m. at the Imus City Hall of Justice, Prosecutor Velasco told complainant Lorayne Pardo and Richard Gutierrez to take 15 days to think about an amicable settlement.

At the same time, Velasco issued a gag order preventing the two parties from talking to the media. There was thus no way of knowing whether the two parties, who had earlier made public avowals of not backing down, were actually inclined to settle.

Accompanying Lorayne to the prosecutor's office were her father-in-law Ramon Pardo and her lawyer Atty. Datu Ombra Jainal. Richard was accompanied by his mother Annabelle Rama, father Eddie Gutierrez, sister Ruffa Gutierrez, half-brother Ramon Christopher, Pilita Corrales, and his two lawyers Atty. Sheryll Mallari and Atty. Gener Asuncion.

Prosecutor Velasco, who is the son of former National Bureau of Investigation chief Epimaco Velasco, told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) that his office was optimistic that the two would concur with the offer.

"Everybody's open naman, e. We're positive naman, e. We're optimistic," he said. "After that, kung walang mangyari, idi-decide na yung kaso. Pero hopefully... both parties naman are open."

Velasco said his office had brought up the idea of an amicable settlement because he didn't want the court to be used as a "collection agent."

"Kasi diyan din pupunta yan e, ha? Pag ganyang kaso, ganoon," Velasco asserted, referring to how these cases usually end up being settled by the parties.

The gag order, he explained, will prevent the Pardos and the Gutierrezes from airing negotiation details to the public.

"Para wala na munang marinig muna. Para makapag-usap sila. Kasi mahirap yung magsasalitaan sila sa press, baka mamaya, ganoon, ganyan," Velasco said.

But he said his office will not impose a penalty if any party should break the order.

"We believe naman na they will follow our gag order. Gentleman's agreement yon, para makapag-usap nang maayos," the prosecutor asserted.