Ex- Talisay City Council exec indicted for unjust vexation

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman Visayas has indicted a former Talisay City official for unjust vexation after he allegedly embarrassed a shop owner whom he had the piston brake cylinder of his vehicle repaired.

Anti-graft investigator Luanne Ivy Cabatingan found sufficient evidence to hold Egmidio Enjambre, Jr., former Sangguniang Panlungsod secretary, for trial following a preliminary investigation.

Enjambre however was exonerated from the two other complaints for estafa and light threats for lack of evidence.

The case stemmed from the complaints filed by Loreto Powao, resident of Sitio Nonoc, Tabunok, Talisay City, in 2009.

Powao said Enjambre went to his shop in March 2009 to have his vehicle’s piston brake cylinder repaired. Since the accused did not give a specific instruction how to remove the bolt, Powao said he applied their normal welding procedure.

However, Enjambre got mad at him and allegedly started berating him in front of his workers and other customers.

According to Powao, Enjambre shouted at him while pointing his finger to his face. The complainant said Enjambre then introduced himself as city official of Talisay. For fear that his shop will be closed, Powao said he apologized to the accused.

Enjambre allegedly left and said that he will come back to get the piston brake. Few hours later, two persons came back and got the piston brake without paying the P350 labor.

The accused denied the allegations saying it was a fabricated complaint but failed to explain why the complainant would make up allegations against him.

He denied berating Powao. Enjambre said it was the complainant who allegedly got mad when he suggested how to remove the bolt.

He also denied threatening to close Powao’s shop but admitted saying he will have it examined if it has a legitimate business permit.

His claims however were not given weight by the anti-graft office. — (FREEMAN)