Manor Hotel owners face criminal raps

The Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office filed yesterday criminal charges against six owners of the Manor Hotel where a fire last Aug. 18 killed 75 persons and injured 19.

Charged with reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and serious physical injuries were William Genato, his wife Rebecca; Porfirio Germina; Marion Fernandez, Dionisio Cua Arengino and Antonio Beltran, all incorporators of the firm that owns the hotel.

Prosecutor Alfredo Agcaoili recommended a bail bond of P10,000 for each of the accused, who were also charged with violation of a Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) ordinance for operating the establishment without a permit.

"This office commiserates with the heirs and relatives of the victims because the imposable penalties for the crime are light considering the number of deaths and injuries as a consequences of the fire," Agcaoili said in a 70-page joint resolution. "But these were the only crimes that the persons could be indicted under our laws."

If found guilty, the Manor Hotel owners could only be sentenced to imprisonment of not more than six years. – Cecille Suerte Felipe