Ex-brgy captain barred from leaving the country

CEBU, Philippines - The Regional Trial Court has issued a hold departure order against a former barangay captain in Mandaue City after the filing of eight estafa cases against her.

RTC Judge Gilbert Moises prevented former Opao barangay captain Jovita Tuela “Joy” Ouano from leaving the country upon the request of businesswoman Clarita Boligor.

Boligor who filed eight counts of estafa against Ouano, younger sister of Provincial Board Member Thadeo Ouano, fears that the accused might seek refuge in other country to avoid prosecution.

Ouano was charged with estafa for issuing checks amounting to P331,000 to Boligor despite her knowing that the account was already closed.

The checks were issued as payment for the loan allegedly obtained by Ouano in 2005 and 2006.

Ouano pleaded not guilty to the charges when arraigned last Monday.

She initially moved to suspend the proceedings of the case pending the resolution of her petition for review before the Department of Justice. The court suspended the proceeding for 60 days but proceeded with the arraignment last Monday after the accused failed to show a resolution from the DOJ. – (FREEMAN)