MANILA, Philippines — Pinabulaanan ng legal counsel ni Cavite City Mayor Bernardo Paredes ang kasong rape at child abuse na inihain ng 17-anyos na babae laban sa alkalde at iginiit na ang alegasyon ay kagagawan ng mga kalaban niya sa pulitika.
“The reason is more apparent than real. Clearly, the complaint is premeditated, well-planned and politically motivated. Complainant is being supported by a rich and powerful politician who intends to destroy my reputation as Mayor of Cavite City from the years 2001 to 2010 and 2013 to 2021,” sabi ni Atty. Antonio Luis Paredes sa 11-pahinang counter-affidavit na isinumite ng mayor sa Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office.
Sabi ng legal council, ang kaso ay ginawa ilang buwan bago ang 2022 local election.
“The filing of the instant complaint was timed during the election season. Even some media personalities in both TV and radio, were announcing the pending rape case against my client. The mayor’s political opponent was even bragging that by reason of this case, his suspension as Mayor of Cavite City is forthcoming,” ayon sa abogado ni Mayor Paredes.
Binigyang diin pa ni Atty. Paredes na ang alegasyong sexual abuse na ginawa ng nagrereklamo ay hindi lang “contrived, fabricated, malicious and gratuitous conclusions” kundi “false, invented and malicious fabrications” din.