Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Wagas acquitted on estafa rap
AFTER several convictions for a crime involving money, former Compostela mayor Gilbert Wagas was acquitted yesterday by Regional Trial Court Judge Generosa Labra in another case involving P20,000.
In a two-page decision, Labra explained that the affidavit of desistance of complainant Liduvina Llanto constitutes reasonable doubt on the culpability of the accused.
In 1997, Llanto accused the former mayor of defrauding her by asking her to encash his check at a rediscounted price.
Llanto narrated that she trusted Wagas because the latter was a friend of her husband as they were members of the Midtown Rotary Club.
Llanto filed the case after the check bounced and despite oral and written demands, Wagas still failed and refused to pay her.
Later, Llanto executed an affidavit of desistance saying she is no longer interested in pursuing the case.
Wagas was overjoyed by his acquittal.
“Nangayo lang ko og pasaylo sa mga nag-ampo sa akong kaparotan. Sa akong mga kaatbang sa politika, tiwason ta ni (I am sorry for those who have been praying for my defeat. To my political enemies, let us finish this),” Wagas said.
Wagas said his doors are open to seek an elective post.
He will run for congress or will seek a position in the Provincial Board if former senator John “Sonny” Osmeńa and former congressman Celestino “Junie” Martinez Jr. will ask him to.
The former mayor admitted that his financial status nowadays is the only reason why he cannot seek an elective post this May elections.
In 2002, Judge Gabriel Inglis sentenced Wagas to 12 to 30 years imprisonment for failing to pay for 200 sacks of rice he reportedly bought from businessman Alberto Ligaray in April 1997.
Wagas has also been convicted for technical malversation of public funds. (KNT)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (February 21, 2007 issue)
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