Ex-councilman files appeal on conviction

CEBU, Philippines - The former barangay councilman of Liburon, Carcar City filed an appeal before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) after he was convicted for preventing the arrest of his brother who is charged for murder.

William Racoma questioned the decision of Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) Judge Grace Orma Ypil convicting him of obstruction of apprehension and prosecution of criminal offenders.

“I am not satisfied with the decision of the court dated February 15, 2011 and March 30, 2011,” Racoma said in his notice of appeal.

Ypil sentenced Racoma with a fine in the amount of P1,000 and ordered him to suffer perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

Racoma reportedly prevented the police officers from executing a warrant of arrest issued against his brother Crisanto Racoma who was charged for murder before Regional Trial Court Branch 23.

Three police officers testified that when they served the warrant of arrest in the compound of Racoma somebody shouted “run Ado because there are police officers.”

They said Racoma and his brother James told them that they cannot just easily arrest their brother in their place and Racoma then introduced himself as barangay councilman.

The former barangay councilman testified in court that during the serving of the warrant, he heard three successive shots and when he went outside their house, he saw his mother was pushed by the police and the other police pointed a gun at James.

Racoma said it was not true that he prevented the police from arresting his brother.

Judge Ypil however said the defense of the accused was denial. “From the version of the defense, this court finds it totally unnatural and contrary to human experience that accused William Racoma would not stay put at his house after hearing several burst of gunfire coming from the police and witnessing his mother was pushed,” Ypil ruled.

She likewise said that because of the failure of Racoma and his counsel, Atty. Philip Camiguing, to appear for the promulgation of judgment despite being notified of March 30’s promulgation, the bail bond of Racoma was cancelled.

Racoma posted P12,000 for his temporary liberty but the amount was confiscated in favor of the government. (FREEMAN)