Dumanjug VM, councilor indicted for grave slander

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Prosecutor‘s Office has indicted Dumanjug Vice Mayor Efren Guntrano “Gun-gun” Gica and his brother Councilor Erwin “Wado” Gica for grave slander by deed.

Provincial Prosecutor Pepita Jane Petralba approved the filing of the case in court against the Gica brothers after finding probable cause to hold them for trial.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Councilor Eliezer Amadora over a November 19, 2014 incident in which he was allegedly slapped by the vice mayor.

Amadora said it started when he took the seat beside Councilor Meriam Llano in the second row. The vice mayor allegedly demanded for him to exchange seats with Councilor Ricardo Condes who was seated in front of him and beside Councilor Ricardo Boquecosa.

Since he was already seated, Amadora asked the vice mayor that he would just sit behind Boquecosa and Condes.

“I would be in charge because I am the presiding officer! If you want, you can take my seat,” Amadora quoted Gica as saying in a loud voice.

To avoid trouble, Amadora said he obliged and transferred to the front row beside Boquecosa.

“Paita ani oy,” said Amadora as he felt embarrassed.

However, his remark allegedly prodded Councilor Gica to interfere by threatening to hit him with an ash tray. Amadora said he challenged his fellow councilor to do it, resulting in the alleged slapping incident.

Councilor Gica allegedly first slapped Amadora on the left cheek while the vice mayor later reportedly joined the fray. Councilors Boquecosa, Condes, Llano and Antonio Garcia testified in favor of Amadora.

The Gicas did not submit counter-affidavit to controvert the allegations, prompting the prosecutor to elevate the case before court based on the evidence presented by the complainant.— Gregg M. Rubio/FPL (FREEMAN)