DOJ urged: Locate ex-Ecija vice mayor accused of rape

MANILA, Philippines - Gabriela party-list lawmakers urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) the other day to determine the whereabouts of a former vice mayor of Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija who was earlier accused of 22 counts of rape.

“Is Vice Mayor (Romeo) Borja still in the Philippines?” Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan asked after the DOJ issued a resolution finding probable cause and recommending charges of 22 counts of rape on the complaint filed by Borja’s victim, a certain Mina.

Ilagan said it is highly probable that Borja will flee following the DOJ resolution and his loss in the recent elections.

“We are hoping for the courts’ immediate action on the DOJ’s recommendations. We cannot allow rapists to escape accountability,” she said.

In a resolution issued last May 14, the DOJ recommended the filing of 22 counts of rape against Borja. The complainant has accused Borja of repeatedly raping her from October 2009 to April 2010.

Rep. Emmerenciana de Jesus, meanwhile, expressed hope that the DOJ resolution on Mina’s case will embolden other rape victims to come out and pursue justice.

“Mina’s case is just one of the three cases in Pantabangan against former Vice Mayor Borja that have been brought to Gabriela’s attention in the past year,” De Jesus said.

“It is believed that there are more victims of rape and sexual abuse in Pantabangan. We encourage other victims to join Mina and file a case to seek justice. We hope that the positive results of Mina’s case will help give them the courage to fight,” she said.