Ex-mayor convicted for mashing Ruffa's mom

The Pasay City court convicted yesterday a former Cavite mayor and sentenced him to one month in prison for "mashing and kissing" Annabelle Rama, mother of actress Ruffa Gutierez, during a chance encounter in a hotel lobby three years ago.

Found guilty as charged by Pasay Judge Maria Cancino-Erum of Branch 46, was banker and ex-Silang Cavite mayor Clarito Poblete.

In a 12-page decision, the judge ordered Poblete to shoulder the cost of litigation during the trial of "acts of lasciviousness" charges which the court downgraded to "unjust vexation."

Rama said that she would have been overjoyed if the sentence was heavier. She added that her court victory should serve as a lesson to so-called "Dirty Old Men" who use influence and money to harass their victims.

But Poblete, maintaining his innocence, hinted that the filing of the case against him by Rama was financially motivated.

Court records showed that Rama was on her way out of the Heritage Hotel on Oct. 6, 1997, with two companions when she met Poblete who was introduced to her by a mutual friend.

While being introduced, Poblete held Rama's hands and embraced and kissed her on the lips. Rama, surprised over Poblete's actuation, retreated toward the hotel's elevator but Poblete pursued her and touched her buttocks, while urging her to join him at the hotel's casino.