Rape charges vs. house boy elevated to court

CEBU, Philippines - The city prosecutor’s office has found probable cause to elevate to court a complaint for rape against a house boy who was accused of sexually abusing his fellow house help.

Prosecutor Noel Cellona said the allegations of the complainant and the defense of the suspect are reportedly both strong, thus, it would be better if the court would look into the case.

The complainant, 19, alleged that suspect William Villaros raped her when she allowed him to enter their employer’s house dawn on January 19. The complainant, who stays with their employer, said she opened the door for the suspect because she reportedly trusted him.

Once inside the house, however, Villaros allegedly followed her to her room, held both her hands, and stuffed her blanket into her mouth while removing her underwear with his feet. He then allegedly successfully raped her.

Villaros denied the allegations, saying he and the complainant were lovers and what happened at that time was with mutual consent and was not the first time they had sexual contact. But the victim argued she would not have filed a case if she consented to the deed. — Jasmin R. Uy/JMO (THE FREEMAN)