Rape case vs Batangas councilor junked

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City prosecutor’s office dismissed a rape case filed by a municipal councilor in Batangas against another councilor for lack of probable cause.

In an 11-page resolution released yesterday, Assistant City Prosecutor Maribel Mariano-Arriola dismissed the case filed by a female councilor from Batangas against Lipa City Councilor Nonato Monfero.

“The story laid down by the complainant is so detailed and graphic that we find it incredible and suspicious if indeed she was sexually assaulted by the respondent,” read the resolution.

The rape reportedly happened on June 28, 2013, when the complainant and Monfero stayed at the Quezon City residence of another councilor while they were attending a seminar.

In his counter-affidavit, Monfero denied the allegations and said the filing of the case was financially and politically motivated.

Monfero said that on June 28, 2013, he received a call from Batangas Councilor Joel Pua, who told him to prepare P5 million to settle the rape case.

In July 2013, Monfero said the complainant’s lawyer asked for P10 million and demanded he resign from his post.

He said since he refused to give in, the complainant filed charges on July 31, 2013.

In dismissing the case, Arriola explained that the complainant took time to file the case.

“It is highly probable that there is a semblance of truth as to the claim of the respondent that the negotiations for him to settle the case were ongoing considering that the complainant failed to rebut the call made by Pua to the respondent on June 28, 2013,” Arriola added in her resolution.