DOJ denies ex-councilor’s motion

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) denied the motion for reconsideration filed by former Cebu City Councilor Prisca Mabatid and five others, earlier indicted for allegedly committing multiple counts of syndicated illegal recruitment and estafa for reportedly misleading 11 victims that could enter Canada under a work-study program.

In a seven-page Resolution dated May 5, DOJ-National Prosecution Service (NPS) Senior Assistant State Prosecutor (SASP) Amanda Felipe denied the motion for reconsideration filed by Mabatid, who is running for Cebu City councilor; Russ Mark Gamallao, who is running for mayor of Samboan, Cebu; Vincent Adam Hechanova, Clint Victor Caingles, Noverna Uy, and Clark Jueco.

Felipe explained that they denied the motion on the basis that there was no new matter raised that would have led to a different outcome of their preliminary investigation.

“We find that there is prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty for conviction for syndicated illegal recruitment and estafa and concur with the findings in the assailed resolution,” Felipe said.

In the Resolution dated Nov. 11, 2024, the DOJ recommended the indictment of syndicated illegal recruitment against Mabatid (four counts); Gamallo (seven counts); Hechanova (seven counts); Caingles (eight counts); Uy (eight counts); and Jueco (eight counts).

They were also indicted for Estafa with Mabatid (four counts); Gamallo (seven counts); Hechanova (eight counts); Caingles (10 counts); Uy (nine counts); and Jueco (eight counts).

There were also additional charges for Simple Illegal Recruitment against Hechanova (one count); Caingles (two counts); and Uy (one count).

In their motion, the six respondents argued that there was no prima facie reasonable certainty of their conviction for syndicated illegal recruitment and estafa because they are not engaged in the business of recruiting workers for employment abroad.

They explained further that the Opportunities Abroad Visa Processing Services Inc. (OAVP) and Pinoy Care Visa Center Inc. (PCVC) are not licensed recruitment agencies, and that they operate as visa assistance companies that focus on aiding individuals with visa applications and related processes.

They also denied offering employment abroad since the 11 complainants only applied for student visas.

They also gave no assurance that students could work. “It is the policy of the Canadian government to allow all foreign students to work while studying.” (CEBU NEWS)