Tuesday, August 05, 2008 Bacal still owes victim's kin By Annabelle L. Ricalde
ALMOST a month after figuring in a fatal road accident, City Councilor Alden Bacal had yet to fully settle the P200,000 he promised as civil liability to the family of his 15-year-old victim.
It was documented under a "settlement agreement" signed by the victim's father, Gerardo Balingit Jr., and Bacal along with Gerardo's sister Maricar and Councilor Reynaldo Advincula as witnesses.
Monday's scheduled preliminary hearing for the case of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and destruction of property against the councilor was postponed by the City Prosecutor's Office because the Balingits came late.
An amount of P100,000 was later added a day after the Balingits agreed to execute an affidavit of desistance expressing they were no longer interested in pursuing the case, said James Judith, counsel for the Balingits.
In addition, Judith said the victim's family also signed an affidavit of Quit Claim on the same day, waiving their right to future claims.
Bacal had earlier said an amount of P200,000 was agreed between him and the parents of Junrie Balingit to settle the case.
Judith, who had earlier said the amount only covered Bacal's liabilities is now saying he is focusing on helping his clients collect the councilor's remaining liabilities.
"Alang-alang mangusog ko if ang complainant dili na interesado manumbong, kung totally settled na then quits ang kaso," the lawyer told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro. (If a complainant is no longer interested in pursuing the case, if it is already totally settled, then the case is a done deal.)
Bacal, along with his lawyers Henry Bacal and Mitchelle Anayron, left the City Prosecutor's Office minutes after the Balingits arrived.
Acting City Police Director Isagani Genabe Jr. and the traffic investigators accused of shoddy investigation in the controversial road accident were also present.
City Prosecutor Fidel Macauyag moved the preliminary hearing to August 14.
Bacal incurred severe criticisms after he left the victim dead in the roadside.
The councilor surrendered hours later, and was believed to be under influence of alcohol when the incident occurred.
He admitted having a drink or two, but insisted he wasn't drunk when the July 10 accident occurred.
