Maricel a no-show at barangay hearing

MANILA, Philippines - Veteran actress Maricel Soriano did not appear for the hearing of the serious physical injury complaint filed against her by two former household helpers before the lupong tagapamayapa of Barangay Poblacion in Makati City.

Barangay administrator Michael Gonzales they will again issue a summon for Soriano to appear in the next hearing but the date has yet to be set.

Gonzales said physical injury cases are resolved through the barangay justice system but the complaint will be sent to the police for filing of a criminal case if it will not be resolved after three hearings or the person being complained of will not appear in any of the hearings.

Camille Acojedo, 18, and May Cachuela, 22, who both hail from Zambales, filed a complaint against Soriano last June 30. They accused the actress of beating them, hurling expletives and threatening to shoot and kill them during their stay at the actress’ unit at the Rockwell Rizal Tower.

Gonzales said two other former household helpers filed a similar complaint against Soriano before the barangay hall last February. But he said neither the complainants nor Soriano showed up in the hearings.