Anti-graft charge filed vs brgy chief, Lupon members

CEBU, Philippines - For their alleged refusal to issue a certificate to file action, the barangay captain and members of the Lupon of Barangay Cogon-Pardo in Cebu City are facing charges before the court.

City Prosecutor Fatima Asjali-Maadil held barangay captain Harry Eran and Lupon members Corsino Boy Bacatan, Jimmy Bohol, and Dodong Arnaiz for trial after finding probable cause for violation of Republic Act 3019, otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

In his sworn statement, Andres Cuesta said despite the confrontation of both parties for the fourth time dated January 22, January 29, February 5, and February 12, all in 2014, still no settlement was reached.

Cuesta alleged that when he requested for a copy of the minutes of the proceedings conducted, he found out that there was no record. He insisted before the members of the Lupon, but he was allegedly told not to dictate them in “what they would do.”

He said in order to avoid any delays in the resolution of his complaint, after sensing that no amicable settlement between the parties could be achieved, he requested for the issuance of a certificate to file action.

However, Eran and the Lupon members refused to issue the same, he said.  All of the accused filed their counter-affidavit. However, according to Maadil, Eran and the three Lupon members did not deny Cuesta’s accusations, thus she elevated the case based on the existence of a probable cause.  — (FREEMAN)