More criminal charges were elevated to court against the controversial karatedo coach accused of abusing his wards.
Prosecutors the other day elevated to court charges for rape and violation of the anti-sexual harassment act and the anti-child abuse law against Democrito Macaldo, former member of the coaching crew of the Philippine Karatedo Team to the 2007 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
Prosecutor Mary Ann Castro recommended a bail of P30,000 for the sexual harassment charge; P200,000 for the rape charge, and another P200,000 for the child abuse charge.
The new set of charges stemmed from a complaint filed by another 17-year-old alleged victim, who, like another complainant before her, accused Macaldo of luring her to believe that he could transmit power, strength, and luck to her through sexual intercourse.
Earlier, prosecutors recommended no bail for Macaldo for the separate charge of rape allegedly committed on another minor.
Castro said that the first incident which allegedly occurred in April 19, 2006 can be considered rape because the respondent allegedly fondled her without her consent. The incident happened during a month-long training for the members of the karatedo chapter.
The second incident, which allegedly happened in May 8, 2006, can only be classified as sexual abuse under the anti-child abuse law because the complainant consented to go with the trainer in the belief that “Zen power will be transferred to her”.
The complaint went with Macaldo purportedly to borrow money in preparation for a competition in Davao City. However, the trip rerouted to a motel where Macaldo allegedly carried out his explanation of the benefits of Zen, including “necking, petting, kissing and Zenbirth (sexual intercourse).”
The incidents became public when members of the karatedo chapter gathered during a party and a new athlete divulged how the coach allegedly tried to get her to have phone sex with him.
Like in the previous complaint, prosecutors could not locate Macaldo in his given address, he has reportedly left the country. - Joeberth M. Ocao/BRP