Celino files another case vs Bermejo, three others
ROXAS CITY – Mayor Angel Alan Celino filed another case Wednesday against his predecessor Vicente Bermejo and three others before the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas for their failure to act on the complaint of a city resident against the illegal occupants in his property.
Named as respondents along with Celino are Margarita Maestro, former OIC city engineer; Brgy. 5 village head Freddie Doroteo; and councilman Eduardo Estrella.
They were charged for violation of Section 27 and 30 of Republic Act 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992, which pertains respectively to actions against professional squatters and squatting syndicates, and prohibition against new illegal structures.
Celino and three other respondents were also charged for violation of Section 3 (f) of R.A. 3019 or Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act which provides that “neglecting or refusing, after due demand or request, without sufficient justification, to act within a reasonable time” is a corrupt practice and is punishable.
Another violation cited was related to Article 208 of the Revised Penal Code, on the negligence and tolerance of offenses.
The case stemmed from the failure of the respondents to act on the complaint of Ricardo Vidal of Burgos St., Roxas City on Feb.18, 2010.
Vidal, through his lawyer, filed a complaint for abatement of nuisance and for eviction and demolition before the mayor’s office against illegal occupants Vivian and Noli Martinez, Maricel Palete, Juliana Vela, and Fred Antonio.
Vidal sent a demand letter to Estrella to cease and desist the illegal construction and to Maestro and Doroteo to prevent the act complained of, and personally requested respondent Bermejo to enjoin the illegal construction but his complaint fell on deaf ears, he said.
Vidal alleged that Estrella, Maestro, Doroteo and the rest of the squatters belong to the Ugyon Kita Capiz Party and were supporters of Bermejo’s mayoral bid last May.
Last month, Celino also filed a case against Bermejo, Liga ng mga Barangay President Wilson Acervo, Olutayan Brgy. Capt. Manuel Aninang and City General Services Office Head Glenn Amane before the Ombudsman Visayas for allegedly taking the hot lumber seized by City Hall, for their personal use.
The filing of the case then was based on the recommendations of the City Council committee on good government, chaired by Councilor Julius Abela.*
