Ex-village chief posts bail for estafa case

CEBU, Philippines - Former barangay Opao captain and Association of Barangay Councils president Joy Ouano went to court to post bail before four warrants for her arrest for eight counts of estafa could be served.

Judge Gilbert Moises of the Regional Trial Court branch 18 in Cebu City signed the warrants last July 11 and also signed her release order last Wednesday after Ouano posted a total bail bond of P368,000.

Complainant Clarita Boligor, a businesswoman, stated in her affidavit that from November 17, 2005 up to November 19, 2006, Ouano borrowed money from her totaling P341,000. Boligor said she issued Ouano eight checks, which Ouano cashed in a bank.

As payment, Ouano issued postdated checks, Boligor said.

However, when Ouano's checks, which were deposited in a bank last March 2006, matured, Boligor said she was shocked to discover that contrary to Ouano's assurances that the checks were properly funded, her account was even closed.

She said that being a friend, she just wanted to settle it cordially with her and meet with her to demand payment, but later on Ouano began avoiding her.

Boligor said that at one time, Ouano assured to pay her once her share from a family property in Mango Avenue was sold.

But Boligor said when she came to inquire from her brother, PB Thadeo Ouano, about her share, he told her that she was already given her share.

Boligor said the respondent denied receiving such a share when she confronted her about it.

Boligor said Ouano again assured her that she will pay her as soon as their property in Opao was sold, but Boligor learned later that the respondent had already received her share worth P2 million, and when confronted, she threw tantrums.

Boligor said this time she decided to hire the services of a lawyer.

Boligor even said she and her daughter personally delivered demand notices to her to convince her to clear her checks but instead Ouano at one time when they saw each other outside the session hall of the Mandaue City hall, allegedly told her they just have to see each other in court.

Calls made and text messages sent to Ouano by The FREEMAN were not returned. (FREEMAN)