Caloocan barangay bet nabbed over bouncing checks

MANILA, Philippines - A Caloocan City barangay councilman seeking re-election was arrested Tuesday night for allegedly issuing bouncing checks in 2009.

Eugenio Saludar, 38, of Barangay 28 in District 2, was apprehended while meeting with his supporters in his house.

Judge Viviano Colasito of the Parañaque Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 77 issued a warrant for Saludar’s arrest in 2009. Saludar’s constituents were surprised by the arrest, saying they did not have any idea that one of their barangay officials was a fugitive.

A resident said they suspect the incumbent barangay chairman Egay Galgana had a hand in the arrest. Saludar ran and won under Galgana’s ticket in 2010 but formed another ticket for this year’s barangay elections, with another councilman running for barangay chairman.

Saludar is currently detained at the Caloocan City police headquarters pending his transfer to the Parañaque city jail.